introduction
As a society, we are ever learning about the interconnectedness of the world in which we live.
The answers to how we aﬀect our environment and, in turn, how the environment aﬀects us
continue to unfold. While the term “sustainability” might seem a catch phrase of the moment
to some, the evidence shows that our collec ve ac ons drive outcomes that can be felt across
space, me, boundaries, culture, and species.
So, it is natural for the City of Zephyrhills and the community to delve into the issues of sustain‐
ability to better understand the risks and challenges of a world with fewer natural resources
yet more people, and also the opportuni es for mee ng demand with new, more eﬃcient
ways of using resources. Planning for the future health, safety, and welfare of ci zens, a er all,
is the core function of government.
In pursuit of a vibrant and resource‐efficient Zephyrhills, this plan addresses several sustainability
topics and a range of recommended ac ons to move the community toward its near‐term
sustainability targets. Not every action must be achieved but each action will lead the community
to a higher plane of sustainability—either through energy eﬃciency, pollu on reduc on, a
more resilient local economy, a stronger community, or some combination of each. Sustainable
prac ces and ac ons are like the interwoven threads of one cloth. The greater the number
and diversity of threads, the stronger and richer the cloth will be.

SUSTAINABILITY IS A COMMUNITY VALUE
Though sustainable ac ons, it shows that we care about people and we care about the
natural environment and the local economy that supports life and our community.

INTRODUCTION | 1 ‐1

THE IMPERATIVE FOR

community sustainability
During the me that the Zephyrhills community began
working on this plan, the Earth’s popula on reached
seven billion. Today there are roughly four billion more
people on Earth than there were 50 years ago and
three billion less than are projected in year 2050. More
people translates to more need for natural resources,
including finite supplies of drinking water, arable land,
and fossil fuels.
A growing popula on will also place greater strain on
the planet's sinks—features of Earth’s ecosystem that
remove pollu on from the atmosphere, biosphere,
and oceans. More of “us” means greater consumption
and also greater waste, a por on of which is pollu on.
If concentra ons of pollu on (e.g., carbon dioxide in

EARTH’S CLOSED‐ECOSYSTEM
All of the living processes on Earth occur within
a closed system. Except for sunlight, resources
available on Earth are limited to those inside
this system. Change in one part of the system
can have an effect on other parts of the system.

Air &
Climate

SUSTAINABILITY—A DEFINITION
Sustainability creates and maintains the
condi ons under which humans and nature
can exist in produc ve harmony, that permit
fulfilling the social, economic, and other
requirements of present and future
genera ons.
— U.S. Environmental ProtecƟon Agency
the atmosphere) exceed the pollu on processing
capabili es of sinks (e.g., forests, soils, and oceans),
the environment can become inhospitable to support
life (e.g., global warming and climate change).
The potential for dwindling natural resources and
water, land, and air pollu on have implica ons for
society and economies on global, regional, and local
scales—including scarcity, higher costs, and a host
of related vulnerabili es in parts of the world such as:
•
•
•
•

Ecological degradation
Hunger and poverty
Political and social unrest
Economic injustice

Alterna vely, concerted eﬀorts to use resources wisely
and eﬃciently can extend a range of benefits to the
Zephyrhills community including:
• Cost savings
• Greater produc vity
• Less dependence on foreign oil
• Healthier environments (natural and human‐built)

The triple bo om line involves understanding
and integrating the concerns and opportunities
of ecology, economy, and community in decision
making for community development.

The concept of sustainability is frequently illus‐
trated as three spheres represen ng ecology
(natural environment), economy, and community
(society). The spheres are arranged to show their
dynamic rela onship, which is to say that any
change to one aﬀects the others.
The figures are arranged in two ways to show
interdependence of our ecology, economy, and
community. In the figure above, economy and
community are nested within ecology to illustrate
that everything we need for survival and well‐being
depends on and is constrained by the natural
environment. Everything produced and consumed
takes from ecology—water, energy, plants and
animals. Ul mately, all of the goods, materials,
and by‐products created are returned to our air,
water, and land ecosystems.

Sustainable
Development

The figure at le shows sustainable development
as the area where the three spheres overlap, con‐
veying balance between ecology, economy, and
community. In decision making for sustainable
development, this balance is commonly referred
to as the triple boƩom line.

INTRODUCTION | 1 ‐3

CONSERVE | EMPOWER | THRIVE

plan overview
The City of Zephyrhills and community stakeholders
have created this strategic action plan to guide all levels
of community involvement toward a greener, more
sustainable city. The aim of Sustainable Zephyrhills is
to engage the community in both small and large actions
to protect the environment, conserve natural resources,
foster a more resilient local economy, and enhance
overall quality of life for current and future genera‐
ons of Zephyrhills residents.

SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS
Reaching the Sustainable Zephyrhills targets will
be the sum result of ac ons by all community
stakeholders—individuals and organiza ons—
primarily through using resources eﬃciently and
wisely every day, in every way.
Sec on 2 provides a discussion of the issues for each
focus area followed by a series of initiatives and actions
to address the issues and achieve one or more meas‐
urable targets. The community was consulted in the
development of the ini a ves, and again to priori ze
the initiatives, as measures to garner community support
and par cipa on in the plan implementa on phase.

Sec on 3 contains a detailed Ac on Plan iden fying
Community awareness and ac on
the ini a ves and ac ons along with poten al lead
Green buildings and clean energy
and support entities, estimated timeframes for comple‐
Water conserva on and protec on
tion, and implementation methods. The Action Plan is
Waste reduc on and reuse
a central feature of Sustainable Zephyrhills that com‐
Land use, design, and connec vity
municates ways for interested community members to
Green jobs and green businesses
“plug into” plan implementa on ac vi es over the
plan’s 10‐year meframe.
Urban agriculture

The plan’s themes—Conserve, Empower, Thrive—
emphasizes the community’s expanded role in plan
ini a ves and outcomes. Community awareness and
ac on are by far the most important aspect of Sustain‐
able Zephyrhills for it is only through broad community
ac on that the plan targets will be reached.
For several plan initiatives, the city could serve as
connector, convener, or facilitator to individuals or
organizations wishing to take lead roles in sustainability
eﬀorts. The desired end, along with achieving targets,
is to create a strong core of sustainability advocates
and leaders in Zephyrhills through exposure to project
planning, decision making, and achievement.

PLANNING PROCESS
The Sustainable Zephyrhills planning process is depicted
on page 1‐5. The process began in February 2012 with
the Green Ideas for Zephyrhills community workshops.
Approximately 50 people a ended and generated
more than 200 ideas about ways to make Zephyrhills a
be er and more sustainable community. The most
popular ideas involved better facilities for safe, conven‐
ient walking and bicycling and making recycling easier.
Ideas from the workshops formed the basis of set of
preliminary initiatives presented at two community
workshops later that February. The Green AcƟons for
Zephyrhills workshops allowed par cipants to express
their preferences for the ini a ves through a polling
exercise.
An ice cream social/community workshop was held in
early June to present the dra plan and receive input.
City Council accepted the plan on June 11, 2012.

GREEN IDEAS WORKSHOPS

GREEN ACTIONS WORKSHOPS

COMMUNITY AWARENESS

PLANNING
PROCESS
COMMUNTY
FACTORS

ECONOMIC
FACTORS

ECOLOGICAL
FACTORS
POLLING EXERCISE

DRAFT PLAN WORKSHOP

CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL

INTRODUCTION | 1 ‐5

To achieve sustainability, the
community’s approach must be
strategic—integra ng the principles
of environmental stewardship, social
responsibility, and economic prosperity
to ensure that current and future
genera ons have the resources to
meet their own needs.
Everyday decision making can have a
bearing on the achievement of the
community’s sustainability targets.
Decisions and ac ons that work in
harmony with Sustainable Zephyrhills
ini a ves can mean reaching sustain‐
ability targets sooner rather than later,
or at all.
The guiding principles presented on
this page establish a framework to
help guide decision making by the
city in all ma ers of government
opera ons.

guiding principles
FOR DECISION MAKING
as drive a car. Build on neighborhood
strengths–repair, reconnect, regen‐
erate. Work in partnerships to create
sustainable development and rede‐
velopment to ensure long‐term
resource availability, thriving busi‐
ness districts and workplaces, and
las ng neighborhoods.
WASTE REDUCTION + REUSE
COMMUNITY AWARENESS + ACTION
It takes a village. Promote a culture
of sustainability in Zephyrhills that
inspires personal responsibility, com‐
munity ac on, and synergis c part‐
nerships in support of sustainability.

WATER CONSERVATION +
Create value through resource
PROTECTION
efficiency. Decrease reliance on energy
City of Pure Water–Our legacy.
generated from fossil fuels through
Conserve and protect precious water
more energy and water‐efficient
resources that are vital to the health
buildings and a greater supply of
of the people of Zephyrhills and the
energy made from renewable
local economy.
resources.
GREEN JOBS + GREEN BUSINESSES

URBAN AGRICULTURE

Build economic capacity by nurturing
green industry businesses. Increase
local demand for green products and
services by promoting the merits of
energy efficiency and recycling. Reduce
barriers to business startups or expan‐
sions. Encourage employees and the
community at‐large to shop local
businesses.

Conserve and connect through local‐
ly‐ produced food. Foster local and
regional food produc on and distri‐
bu on that shortens the distance
between producer and consumer,
creates a vibrant network of people
and organiza ons, connects farms
and community, and increases food
security and job opportuni es in
Zephyrhills.

LAND USE, DESIGN + CONNECTIVITY
A city of short distances. Promote
socio‐economic diversity through a
mix of housing types. Create streets
that are safe and a rac ve places to
walk, bike, and use transit, and well
1 ‐6 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

SECTION TWO

targets + initiatives

S U S TA I N A B L E
ZEPHYRHILLS

A man doesn't plant a tree for himself.
He plants it for posterity.
‐ Alexander Smith

2 –i | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

WORKING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY: A STARTING PLACE
THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABILITY is far reaching, and certainly more than can be addressed
by one community, in one plan. Achieving balance among the three spheres of sustainability—
ecology, economy, and community—requires awareness and action at all levels and in all locations
of human ac vity and behavior on the planet. As such, Sustainable Zephyrhills is a star ng
place for the Zephyrhills community to begin sharing informa on, issues, and prac ces un l a
‘ pping point’ for sustainability is reached and the community takes the next steps toward
achieving its shared vision of a sustainable future.
SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS FOCUS AREAS
EDUCATION +
AWARENESS

GREEN BUILDINGS +
CLEAN ENERGY

GREEN JOBS +
GREEN BUSINESSES

LAND USE, DESIGN +
CONNECTIVITY

WASTE REDUCTION +
REUSE

WATER CONSERVATION +
PROTECTION

URBAN
AGRICULTURE

THIS SECTION provides an overview of the
issues surrounding the Sustainable Zephyrhills
focus areas. Issue discussions are followed
by a list of community initiatives and actions
that chart a course for achieving the com‐
munity’s near term aspira ons (targets). The
Action Plan in Section 3 goes further by
iden fying poten al ac ng en es and
meframes for implemen ng ac ons.
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐1

I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
‐ Confucius

2 ‐2 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

A strong community‐government link
elevates the profile of sustainability in the community, and

leverages more support for sustainable ac

on.

community awareness + action

“Where knowledge meets prac cality” is a Zephyrhills
mo o that points to the importance of informa on
and understanding in accomplishing goals. This philos‐
ophy is vitally important to achieving the community’s
goals for a Sustainable Zephyrhills. Several of the plan’s
ini a ves for a greener community rely on the ac ons
of individuals and groups in reducing their ecological
footprint and engaging in learning, teaching, and
advocacy rela ve to sustainability.
Whole‐Community Approach to Sustainability
While government plays an important role in sustaina‐
bility by making planning, policy, and infrastructure
decisions, dissemina ng informa on, engaging and
empowering stakeholders, and exhibi ng leadership,
the community’s sustainability goals cannot be achieved
by government ac on alone. Every member of society
consumes resources and creates waste and, therefore,
has some degree of impact on resource availability for
present and future genera ons. As such, the shortest
distance to a sustainable future is a Whole‐Community
Approach to raising awareness and fostering a culture
of responsibility and ac on.
The Whole‐Community Approach involves three levels
at which learning and ac on for sustainable change
takes place:
•

Individual. The individual develops new knowledge
and skills through training, communi es of prac ce

inter‐disciplinary learning, and exchange networks.
• Organizational. Organizations establish new priorities,
procedures, and practices to reposition their services
and implement new prac ces.
• Community at‐large. Learning and change occurs at
the society level through new agendas, new part‐
nerships and networks, and new methods of inter‐
ac on and par cipa on.
Dialogue: Pathway to Community Awareness
Ac on requires awareness, which is shaped by culture,
educa on, peers, and personal experience. It is not
sufficient to simply educate people about issues so they
can correct what they do. Interac ve and par cipatory
communica on helps develop deeper understanding
and shared meaning. It is through dialogue—two‐way
communications—that different perspectives on the
issues and possible solutions can be identified, vetted,
supported, and implemented.
Increasingly, community par cipa on is turned to as
an educa onal and learning process to address com‐
munity needs and nurture stakeholders to become
agents of their own ini a ves. This approach creates
condi ons for innova on and systemic thinking about
community sustainability. These condi ons are more
likely to lead to structural changes and behaviors
needed to advance the community’s sustainability
goals.
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐3

At public workshops for the Sustainable Zephyrhills
plan, community stakeholders expressed desire to
learn more about sustainability, and saw educa on as
a key element to a successful sustainability initiative.
Workshop par cipants said they wanted ‘hands‐on’
learning opportuni es ed to ac ve and passive recre‐
a on (e.g., green asset bike tours, interpreta ve signs
in nature parks, and building a community garden).
Other community awareness‐related ideas from the
workshops can be framed by the three spheres of
sustainability:
•

Social. Create opportunities for intergenerational pro‐
jects so better relationships could be forged between
youth and seniors while each learn about sustaina‐
ble prac ces.
• Economy. Provide workshops on the cost‐savings and
environmental benefits of going green and buying
green, including use of alternative energy and home
weatherization.
• Ecology. Expand awareness about ways to reduce air
and water pollution by using active transportation
(i.e., walking and biking) and planting trees.
Community‐Based Learning
Residents, businesses, institutions, visitors, and anyone
that calls Zephyrhills home (or home away from home)
can have greater impact on sustainability through com‐
munity‐based learning. This approach taps into local
knowledge, skills, crea vity, and energy to expand and
improve educa onal opportuni es in the community.
Local organiza ons, such as the Pasco County Cooper‐
2 ‐4 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Impact of lifestyles and alterna ves to
unsustainable prac ces
Conscious consumerism
Sustainable development principles
Interconnectedness of spheres of community
sustainability—ecology, economy, society
Sustainability on local, regional, and global levels

The essen al ingredients of community‐based learning
include:
• Community groups motivated to deal with local issues
• Leaders who are commi ed and able to facilitate
dialogue within the group
• Local issues that unify community members to learn
and take ac on
• Local data that is relevant, current, and accurate
• Available resources (e.g., financial, human, technology,
me)

TARGET 1
community awareness + ac on
Provide at least one learning opportunity annually
for each of the Sustainable Zephyrhills focus areas.

“Many hands make light work.”

OUTREACH TOOLS

A side benefit of community‐based learning is enrichment
of community life. Community members that come
together to learn make new acquaintances and become
more familiar with other areas of the city. People share
their stories, interests, and aspira ons, establishing
new networks and partnerships in the process. Conse‐
quently, the community’s social fabric gets stronger,
more diversified, and sense of belonging and community
deepens. Special eﬀorts should be made to involve
young people in the community’s sustainability pro‐
grams and projects for they stand to benefit the most
from the outcomes.

INITIATIVES
GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT SUSTAINABILTY
Community Outreach Tools
Email Listserv. Invite people to register for informa on
by providing an email address or other contact infor‐
ma on. Use the email addresses to create a listserv
that allows mely and low‐cost communica ons from
the city to interested par es. Send e‐no ces about
Sustainable Zephyrhills initiatives, events, and activities.
No ces may also be sent cost‐eﬀec vely along with
paper or electronic u lity billings.
Web Links. Provide website links, widgets, and video
public service announcements from agencies partners
(e.g., Chamber of Commerce and Facebook) providing
green educa on and awareness on the city website.
Green Portal. Highlight sustainable initiatives, programs,
projects, and policies on a dedicated city green web‐
site (portal).
Green Assets Map. Create a downloadable e‐map
showing the loca ons of green community features
such as parks, fresh markets, walkable districts and
neighborhoods, bicycle and pedestrian ways.

Green Tips. Oﬀer a daily or weekly green p on the city
website, green portal, or direct email (i.e., email
listserv).
Video. Post short videos about sustainability ini a ves
on the city website. Videos could be created by the
community as part of a community project or compe ‐
on.
Media Kit. Maintain a website media kit for Sustainable
Zephyrhills including fact sheets, past media coverage,
logos, high‐resolu on photographs and other images,
and contact informa on.
Calendar of Green Events. Create a 12‐month sustaina‐
bility calendar highligh ng at least one local sustaina‐
bility‐related event each month. The calendar could
feature city or partner‐sponsored events (e.g., Pasco
County Coopera ve Extension class oﬀered in the
Zephyrhills area).
Green Marketplace. A green marketplace is an online
forum that promotes sustainability‐related community
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐5

ac vi es such as farmers markets, community gardens
that residents may join, local foods in season with reci‐
pes, “grow local” or “buy local” campaigns, and green
topic discussion groups or training classes. The green
market place could be oﬀered by the city or through
partnership with another en ty.
Bulle n Boards. Community bulle n boards are ideal
for pos ng informa on on sustainability happenings.
Community centers, recrea on centers, park kiosks,
libraries, storefronts, and churches usually have com‐
munity bulletin boards that are viewed by many people
on a regular basis.
Surveys. Surveys can be administered to evaluate the
community’s knowledge of and/or support for green
ini a ves, and inform people about the ini a ves at
the same me. Surveys can be sta s cally valid or not,
depending on circumstances. Mini‐surveys may be
conducted at community events like expos or fairs as a
polling method. Par cipa on may be incen vized
through drawings or small giveaways (e.g., compost
bins, reusable tote bags).

Community Video Contest
Sponsor a sustainability video contest with a sustaina‐
bility theme. For example:
• “Why green is good for Zephyrhills” or “What makes
you happy about a sustainable future?”
• “How do you live sustainably?” or “What are some
awesome examples of sustainability in your commu‐
nity?”
Poster Contest
Partner with local schools or clubs to sponsor a poster
contest with a sustainability message such as water
conserva on, recycling, and energy conserva on (e.g.,
Drop Savers Poster Contest).
“Biggest Loser” or “Biggest Saver” Contest
Partner with a home improvements business to launch
a “Biggest Loser” or “Biggest Saver” competition focusing
on the benefits of reducing energy and/or water use in
the home. The contest asks par cipants (individuals,
groups, or neighborhoods) to monitor energy/water
use in their homes through u lity billings over a period
of me. Results are reported and winners are awarded
a sustainable prize (product or home improvement).
Community Project “Idea Bags”
Provide small paper bags at places where residents
frequent, like a community center, library, school,
church, etc., and invite people to write a community
project idea on the bag. Others who like the idea and
want to help develop the project put their contact
informa on in the bag. School idea bags could be done
separately and coupled with a youth innova on
awards program. Ideas for intra‐genera onal projects
could arise from the process. .

Everything can't be done right away, so start where you
are, use what you have, and do what you can.

COMMUNITY‐BASED LEARNING
Intergenera onal Community Project
Engage diﬀerent age groups in community projects to
encourage exchange of knowledge, skills, and values
while learning about their environment. Such projects
promote inclusiveness and collabora on to build a
stronger community.

2 ‐6 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Green Collage + Mural Compe ons
Create a pictorial dialogue of a green prac ce or
achievement (e.g., community garden, eco‐fes val, or
a green building) in prominent loca ons in the city.
Promote these works of art in an e‐brochure on the
city or a partner website.
Best Prac ce Community Programs
Explore programs that have been successful in increasing
sustainability awareness in other communi es.

EXPLORE OUR HOME
Green Walking + Biking Tours
Partner with a local business or community organization
to oﬀer self‐guided or tour guide‐led walking or biking

tours with stops along the way for observa on and
discussion about green community features.
Signs + Interpreta ve Displays
Install interpreta ve signage for green features in the
city to inform residents and visitors about such things
as na ve vegeta on, green transporta on (e.g., bike
trails and bus service), recycling facili es, electric vehi‐
cle charging sta on, etc.

CULTIVATE VOLUNTEERS & ADVOCATES
Sustainable Zephyrhills Advisory Board
Establish an advisory group or board of city residents
represen ng a cross‐sec on of community interests
(e.g., seniors, youth, minority group, business, etc.).
The group or board would meet regularly to discuss and
oﬀer recommenda ons on city projects and ini a ves
having the poten al to influence the implementa on
of the Sustainable Zephyrhills Plan.
Green Government Partnership
Advocate for a Green Government Partnership among
Pasco County local governments to facilitate idea sharing,
information exchange, and project collaboration among
elected oﬃcials and local government sustainability
coordinators. This group could work with the educational
community to incorporate stewardships principles into
school curricula.
UF/IFAS Program for Sustainable Living
County Extension oﬃces typically oﬀer programming
that reflects the needs of its residents. Advocate for
bringing the UF/IFAS Program for Sustainable Living to
the Pasco County Coopera ve Extension. The program
provides educational and training programs promoting
sustainable prac ces in the community, such as the
Sustainable Floridian program. Those completing the
Sustainable Floridian curriculum maintain cer fica on
by providing 30 hours of service to the community on
an annual basis.

Cradle to Grave—Designed to Save
Since the dawn of mankind, people have sought shelter
to keep harsh weather out and comfort within. Even
though gathering wood to keep home fires burning is
not as much a necessity these days, energy efficiency is
s ll a goal for most of us. One could say it is in our
DNA.
Simple ac ons such as reducing air leaks and replacing
incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent lighting
(CFL) or light emi ng diode (LED) varie es can save
households a bundle in annual energy costs.

Miscellaneous 13%

Stove 5%

Dryer 6%

Heating 16%

Lighting 11%

5%

Hot Water 18%

10%

Cooling 19%

15%

Refrigeration 12%

Another poten al area of long term savings is clean
energy technologies. In Florida, eﬀorts are underway
to advance our ability to capture and use energy from
sunlight (solar), plants (biomass), and the earth’s interior
(geothermal). As fossil fuel energy costs con nue to
rise, so should the viability of clean energy technologies.

Where Energy is Used in the Home
20%

Keeping more green in our wallets is one of the benefits
of going green. By making homes, schools, and com‐
mercial buildings more energy efficient, we save money
and also reduce use of fossil fuel energy. Buildings
account for almost three‐quarters of electricity use in
the U.S., and most buildings waste energy needlessly.
From energy eﬃciency retrofits in exis ng buildings to
whole system technologies in new buildings, green
buildings provide solid returns on investments.

By design, new and renovated green buildings use less
energy and other natural resources, reduce stress on
the natural environment, and promote human health
and productivity. These benefits area accomplished
through appropriate building location, site preparation
prac ces, designing for natural ligh ng, and use of
renewable and less toxic building materials, among
other things. Green buildings also mean less cost to
the building owner or tenant because fewer resources
are used throughout the life of building.
Value Added
Building ra ng systems are becoming popular tools to
confirm a new or renovated building’s green credentials.
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐9

20%

LESS
ENERGY

The U.S. Department of Energy
es mates that homes that receive
weatheriza on see a reduc on of
their energy consump on by an
average of 20%.

The primary ra ng systems in the U.S. include:
•

Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC)
• U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy &
Environmental Design (LEED)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star
• The Green Globe Rating System
A 2007 study examined 100 buildings that achieved
LEED certification. When compared to a random sample
of tradi onally‐designed buildings and controlling for
me, loca on, and cost, the study found no significant
diﬀerence in average building costs for green buildings
as compared to non‐green buildings. Other related
studies found:
•

One dollar of savings in energy costs from increased
thermal efficiency yields roughly $18 in the increased
valuation of an Energy‐Star certified building.

Green schools show significant impact on community
image. Well‐regarded schools increase property values,
encourage business investment and job crea on,
and serve as the cornerstone of vibrant communities.

In addi on to being less costly to operate and having
excellent energy performance, sustainably designed
green building occupants were more sa sfied with
the overall building than those in typical commercial
buildings.
Demand for green building construction and renovation
provides opportuni es for workers to develop needed
skills for the new green economy.
Homegrown Energy
What if energy‐eﬃcient homes in Zephyrhills were also
powered with clean, renewable energy? What if some
of that energy could be produced on home sites and
other loca ons within the community?
2 ‐10 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Clean energy refers to energy which comes from natural
resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, geothermal
heat, and plants that are renewable (naturally replen‐
ished).1 Rising oil prices, environmental impacts of
extrac ng and burning fossil fuels, (e.g., petro oil, coal,
and natural gas) and advancing technologies are some
of the reasons that the long range market outlook for
clean energy is posi ve.
Foreseeing a me in the near future when the cost of
clean energy is compe ve with fossil fuel energy, and
to achieve other community objectives, electric utilities
listed below have invested in clean energy produc on.
Customers are given the option to purchase electricity
from clean sources at a premium that offsets the current
higher cost per kilowa .
•
•
•
•
•

Florida Power & Light Company launched three solar
power plants in 2009 and 2010, making Florida the
second largest supplier of u lity‐scale solar power in
the country.
Producing clean energy here at home could be signifi‐
cant to local economies. Florida has one of the highest
rates of home electricity consump on in the country.
But the source of Florida’s heat is also its most promising
source of renewable energy—sunshine. Florida's climate
also bodes well for fast‐growing energy crops such as
sugarcane and sweet sorghum. With 47,500 farms,
Florida could become an important producer of biofuels.
Biodiesel and renewable diesel are synthe c diesel
fuels produced from vegetable oils, including soybean
and canola oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking
grease. They can be blended with conven onal diesel
fuel and used in diesel engines with few or no modifi‐
ca ons. With some engine modifica ons, biodiesel can
be used in a nearly pure form. There are currently cost
barriers to biodiesel due to higher produc on costs
over conven onal diesel.

State of Florida, 2009

ENERGY FACTS
U.S. Energy Informa on Administra on

•

Florida’s per capita residen al electricity demand is
among the highest in the country, due in part to
high air‐condi oning use and the widespread use of
electricity for home hea ng during the winter
months.

•

Electricity genera on in Florida is among the highest
in the U.S..

•

Natural gas and coal are the leading fuels for elec‐
tricity produc on, typically accoun ng for about 40
percent and 30 percent of net generation, respectively.
Nuclear and petroleum‐fired power plants account
for much of the remaining electricity produc on.

•

Due to its large popula on, Florida’s total energy
consump on is among the highest in the country.

•

Despite high demand from the residen al and com‐
mercial sectors, total per capita electricity consump‐
on in Florida is not high, because industrial elec‐
tricity use is rela vely low.

•

There are no coal mines in Florida. Coal‐fired power
plants rely on supplies delivered by railroad and barge,
mostly from Kentucky, Illinois, and West Virginia.

•

Florida’s transporta on and residen al sectors
account for most of the State’s energy demand.

•

•

Due in part to Florida’s tourist industry, demand for
petroleum‐based transportation fuels (motor gasoline
and jet fuel) is among the highest in the U.S. Traﬃc
at the interna onal airports in Miami and Orlando is
among the heaviest in the country.

Florida has more petroleum‐fired electricity generation
than any other state. Florida is also a leading pro‐
ducer of electricity from municipal solid waste and
landfill gas, although genera on from those sources
contributes only minimally to the electricity grid.

•

While the State does not have a renewable por olio
standard, u li es in Florida are required to adopt
net metering to credit customers' u lity bills for
electricity they provide to the grid from renewable
sources.

•

Florida has no oil refineries and relies on petroleum
products delivered by tanker and barge to marine
terminals near the State’s major coastal ci es.

TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐11

TARGET 2

green buildings + clean energy
a. Reduce city government electricity consumption
by 20 percent by 2015.
b. Increase clean energy use citywide by 5 percent
by 2015, and by 25 percent by 2025, using 2012
as a baseline.

INITIATIVES
INCREASE STOCK OF RESOURCE‐EFFICIENT
BUILDINGS CITYWIDE
Community Awareness about Green Buildings
Increase community awareness of resource‐efficient
building technologies. Partner with homeowner/
neighborhood organizations and business sponsors for
a green neighborhood challenge. Provide par cipants
with informa on and tools for success (e.g., water‐
saving best practices or online energy calculator). The
challenge could be an early ac on project for an Eco‐
Neighborhood or Eco‐District community planning effort.
Partner with a local business organiza on, such as the
Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce or Pasco
County Economic Development Council, and one or
more local businesses to sponsor a “Going Green”
business challenge.
Sponsor energy efficiency seminars during Energy
Awareness Month (October) in partnership with the
Pasco County Cooperative Extension to provide infor‐
ma on on best prac ces for saving energy in homes
and businesses. A giveaway, such as a starter kit of
energy eﬃciency products, would provide an incen ve
for seminar participation and immediate action to save
energy.
Establish kilowatt meter lending and education program
to increase awareness of the energy demand of appli‐
ances and small electronics in the home and at work.
Work with local builders and realtors to inform con‐
sumers about the benefits of green buildings to house‐
hold budgets and the environment. Compile evidence
of the returns on investment to builders, building owners
and end‐users of green buildings.
2 ‐12 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Increase city staﬀ knowledge about sustainable design
and its role in reducing costs and improving environ‐
mental quality.
Greening Exis ng + New Structures
Increase the resource efficiency of new and existing
structures throughout the city. Work with developers
and builders early in the permitting process to encourage
green building prac ces in the design, construc on,
maintenance, and operation of new and renovated
buildings and building sites.
Use a Sustainable Development Index to determine
bonuses (e.g., density and height) for development
incorpora ng a wide range of sustainable design tech‐
niques.
Promote the use of green building performance stand‐
ards, such as the Florida Green Building Coalition
(FGBC), U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy
& Environmental Design (LEED), U.S. Environmental
Protec on Agency Energy Star, and Green Globe Ra ng
System. Refund 50 percent of building permit fees for
buildings that receive any of these cer fica ons. To
fund this green incen ve, consider increasing other
building permit fees.
Amend the Land Development Code to define “cool
roofs” and considering making cool roofs a require‐
ment for new buildings, except for those with a green
roof or solar energy system.
Amend the Land Development Code to define “green
roof” and to allow a building’s green roof area to
count toward a development’s required open space
under certain circumstances.
Establish a Sustainable Development Technical Advisory
Commi ee comprised of city departmental staﬀ (e.g.,
Planning, Building, Finance and Public Works) to
periodically review exis ng city codes to iden fy
impediments to green building techniques and ways
to encourage these and other sustainable prac ces.
City Electricity Consump on
Reduce electricity consumption by city government.
Establish a Sustainable Development Technical Advisory
Commi ee comprised of city departmental staﬀ (e.g.,
Planning, Building, Finance and Public Works) to identify
and evaluate ideas to increase energy eﬃciency and
overall sustainability of city facili es and opera ons.
Adopt a green building policy for new or significantly
renovated city buildings.

Conduct energy audits of city‐owned buildings and
develop ac on plans and benchmarking protocol to
phase retrofits and measure performance over me.
When purchasing new appliances or electronics, select
those that are ENERGY STAR‐cer fied, when feasible.
Use energy‐efficient lighting technologies in city facilities,
including passive (natural) lighting, compact fluorescent
lamps (CFLs), light emi ng diode (LED) lamps, and
room occupancy sensors, when feasible.
Use LED or other high‐eﬃciency lamps in city‐owned
traﬃc signals, streetlights, and pedestrian and school
crossing signals, when feasible. Request Progress Energy
to use high‐eﬃciency lamps for streetlights the u lity
leases to the city.

INCREASE CLEAN (RENEWABLE) ENERGY USE

partnerships; and funding mechanisms, including Federal
and State grants and low‐interest loans.
Engage Progress Energy, the electricity u lity in Zeph‐
yrhills, to help leverage local, state, and federal resources
to increase clean energy production in the city.
Make staff costs the basis of the building permit fee for
solar energy systems rather than the equipment cost.
Amend the Land Development Code to allow solar
energy systems as a permi ed accessory use in all
zoning districts and modest encroachments into building
setback areas to facilitate placement of solar equipment.
Amend the Land Development Code to allow small
wind turbines in all commercial, industrial and mul ‐
family areas, subject to noise specifica ons.

Clean Energy City
Increase clean energy produc on citywide. Amend the
Land Development Code to provide for clean energy
produc on in the city and to include related standards
for permi ed, accessory, or condi onal use in zoning
districts; height, setback, visibility, and coverage stand‐
ards for roof‐mounted and ground‐mounted systems;
provision of solar‐oriented lots; provision of solar‐
ready construc on; provision of grid‐connected and
oﬀ‐grid systems; and solar installa ons.
Distribute solar‐access guidelines to developers, builders,
homeowners, and other building owners.
Implement a sustainable building permit expedite pro‐
gram for buildings that employ energy eﬃciency and
clean energy technologies.
Consider establishing a Property Assessed Clean Energy
(PACE) program to provide long‐term loans to proper‐
ty owners for energy eﬃciency, water conserva on,
renewable energy, and wind resistance projects.

Sources:
U.S. Department of Energy (energy.gov).

Consider use of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal
for city building, grounds, and equipment (e.g., street
and cross‐walk ligh ng and hot water hea ng).

U.S. Environmental Protec on Agency (epa.gov/cleanenergy/index.html).

Explore op ons for assis ng local schools in a success‐
ful applica on for the Progress Energy SunSense Schools
program, which awards solar photovoltaic (PV) system
to select schools that also serve as emergency shelters.

Na onal Resources Defense Council (nrdc.org).

Explore small‐scale clean energy projects that utilize
available resources to generate electricity or heat energy;
implementa on partners, including public‐private

U.S. General Services Administra on, (gsa.gov).
U.S. Green Building Council (usgbc.org).

Across the country and here in
Tampa Bay, “buy local” programs
are increasing awareness of the
many benefits of suppor ng
local businesses.

2 ‐14 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Moving toward a greener economy
means crea ng local opportuni

es for new

technologies, investment, businesses, and jobs.

green jobs + green businesses

Improving the resource eﬃciency of buildings and
neighborhoods is a driver for green industry job creation.
A broadening array of green goods and services are
available to consumers for their quest for lower energy
and water costs and reduced environmental eﬀects.
Where consumers choose to make their purchases can
have a direct impact on the local economy—its potential
for growth, diversification, and resilience to economic
cycles.
Dollars spent within the community circulate longer,
s mula ng business expansion, business startups, and
new jobs. Local support of green industry businesses
can strengthen existing business networks and establish
new ones to promote green job crea on.
Supporting local green businesses—businesses offering
green goods or services or adopting sustainable practices,
such as recycling and using recycled‐content products—
creates multiple benefits to the community. In addition
to providing green jobs, these businesses make eﬀorts
to reduce the business’ ecological footprint and also
that of their customers.
The New Green Economy
Economic conditions have changed the energy environ‐
ment. Traditional fuel costs are up while those for
clean energy/renewables are coming down, crea ng a
climate for business innova on and ac vity. State

What is a green job?
A green job increases the conservation and sustain‐
ability of natural resources for the benefit of
Floridians. This includes jobs that reduce energy
usage or lower carbon emissions, and protect Flori‐
da’s natural resources. Green jobs should provide
worker‐friendly condi ons, pay sustainable wages
and oﬀer opportuni es for con nued skill training
and career growth.
‐Workforce Florida
leaders are focusing on this moment as a one‐ me
opportunity to posi on Florida at the leading edge of
clean energy industries. Industrial clusters with sophis‐
ticated supply chains and labor distribution are shaped
as those industries are being developed and as new
economies shi and magnets are drawn.
(Weatherman, 2010)
Renewable energy and energy eﬃciency industries
represented more than nine million jobs and $1.04 tril‐
lion in U.S. revenue in 2007, (American Solar Energy
Society). Domestic energy demand is expected to double
in 20 years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Sta s cs projects
there will be 3.1 million clean energy‐related jobs in that
me versus 783,000 oil, gas, and coal industry jobs.
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐15

Florida is a natural contender in the green economy
with rich natural resources, diverse research and de‐
velopment assets and an available workforce. In 2009,
Pew Charitable Trust ranked Florida third in the na on
with 3,831 clean technology businesses and sixth in
the na on with over 31,000 clean technology jobs.
A study by the American Council for an Energy‐
Eﬃcient Economy reports that by adop ng energy
eﬃcient strategies Florida will save $28 billion, oﬀset
the state’s en re future growth in electric demand by
2023, and create more than 14,000 jobs by 2023.
A rac ng Green Jobs & Businesses
Government policy together with private ini a ves
can foster the transforma on to a green economy and
job growth. The private sector will play the lead role,
but government can catalyze the transforma on by
fostering markets, a favorable investment climate, a
skilled workforce, and strong regional collabora on for
green economic development.
Markets. A key plank in a rac ng green jobs is raising
energy eﬃciency and use of clean energy in buildings
throughout the community. Home, business, and gov‐
ernment energy eﬃciency and clean energy projects
s mulate spending on green building products and
demand for skilled workers to implement those pro‐
jects. Industry experts report that $1 million invested
in energy‐eﬃciency creates 21.5 new jobs.
A main focus of Sustainable Zephyrhills is raising com‐
munity awareness about conserving natural resources
to reduce environmental impacts, maintain a viable
local economy, and sustain quality of life. A side benefit
of conserva on is reducing costs. Poten al savings will
generate demand for green products and services locally
along with economic opportuni es for Zephyrhills
businesses and workers.
Favorable Investment Climate. A favorable investment
climate exists when there is sufficient certainty of finan‐
cial return on investments. Investments in green busi‐
nesses, including clean energy production, will gravitate
to loca ons that are perceived to have less risks and
greater poten al for returns.
A factor in crea ng a favorable investment climate is
local government plans and regula ons that are com‐
plementary to green industry activities. Land use policy
and planned infrastructure expenditures, such as for
transporta on, water, and sewer, can be suppor ve of
green businesses—which may have opera onal char‐
acteris cs not an cipated by city codes.
2 ‐16 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

SIZING THE CLEAN ECONOMY
In its Sizing the Clean Economy report, the Brookings
Ins tute and Ba elle examined a detailed database of
employment sta s cs pertaining to a sensibly defined
assemblage of clean economy industries in the U.S. and
its metropolitan areas between 2003 to 2010. The study
measurements and trends are presented below:
•

The clean economy grew more slowly in aggregate
than the na onal economy, but newer “cleantech”
segments produced explosive job gains and the
clean economy outperformed the na on during the
recession. Newer clean economy establishments—
especially those in young energy‐related segments
such as wind energy, solar PV, and smart grid—added
jobs at a torrid pace, albeit from small bases.

•

The clean economy is manufacturing and export
intensive. Roughly 26 percent of all clean economy
jobs lie in manufacturing establishments, compared
to just 9 percent in the broader economy. On a per
job basis, establishments in the clean economy export
roughly twice the value of a typical U.S. job ($20,000
versus $10,000).

•

The clean economy oﬀers more opportuni es and
be er pay for low‐ and middle‐skilled workers than
the na onal economy as a whole. Median wages in
the clean economy are 13 percent higher than median
U.S. wages. Yet a dispropor onate percentage of jobs
in the clean economy are staﬀed by workers with
rela vely li le formal educa on in moderately well‐
paying “green collar” occupa ons. Among regions,
the South has the largest number of clean economy
jobs.

•

The clean economy permeates all of the na on’s
metropolitan areas, but it manifests itself in varied
configura ons. Metropolitan area clean economies
can be categorized into four‐types: service‐oriented,
manufacturing, public sector, and balanced.

•

Strong industry clusters boost metros’ growth
performance in the clean economy. Clustering entails
proximity to businesses in similar or related industries.
Establishments located in counties containing a signifi‐
cant number of jobs from other establishments in the
same segment grew much faster than more isolated
establishments from 2003 to 2010. Examples include
professional environmental services in Houston, solar
photovoltaic in Los Angeles, fuel cells in Boston, and
wind in Chicago.

Local government can provide incen ves that reduce
business risk. Streamlined development permi ng can
reduce the me it takes for a business to open and
begin hiring and producing. More building square footage
or addi onal housing units could be granted to help
increase the viability of a targeted green industry or
green development project. Local government can enter
into public‐private partnerships to build infrastructure
that fulfills a need of a new green business while also
mee ng other important community objec ves.
Financing is a key barrier to achieving energy eﬃciency
retrofits in exis ng buildings. Local government can
ease household and business entry to new building
technologies by authorizing new financing tools for
retrofits (e.g., PACE‐Property Assessed Clean Energy).

Building connec ons with outside resources in support
of green industry clusters provides another layer of
support for green industry investors in Zephyrhills.
Collabora on with regional economic development
partners is a strategy that has been successful across
the county in leveraging state and federal funding for
economic development. In the Tampa Bay region,
regional collabora on could lead to be er integra on
of the green economy in the realms of energy efficiency
and conserva on, power genera on, and transmission
and distribu on.
Skilled Workforce. Equipping young people entering
the labor market and older workers mid‐way through
their careers with skills required for the green economy
is essen al to future green industry growth in Zeph‐

yrhills. While municipali es are typically not directly
involved in community education and training programs,
the quality of these programs nonetheless has bearing
on a community’s short‐ and long‐term economic
compe veness. The broad availability of good quality
educa on and training is of fundamental importance
to a rac ng green industries and jobs.
Ac on the city can take is to be a voice for expanded
educa on and training opportuni es in the community
at all levels. Sustainability awareness, star ng from
early childhood educa on, will lead to conscious con‐
sumer behaviors and corresponding markets that further
the community’s sustainability goals.
Buy Local First for Sustainability
Like blood in the body, money circula on is the life
force of a local economy. When people purchase goods
and services in local establishments, especially those
that are locally‐owned, the money spent there circulates
in the community for a longer period of me, passing
from merchant to employees then on to other mer‐
chants, and so on. Some of those dollars are invested
in new or expanded businesses in the community—
crea ng new jobs—while other dollars are charitably
donated to meet community needs and desires.
Spending at green local businesses can have even
more impact. Green businesses are community partners
in protec ng, preserving, and sustaining our environ‐
ment, and the money these businesses save by being
green and eﬃcient is more likely to be spent locally.
Suppor ng local green businesses s mulates the Zeph‐
yrhills economy and rewards these businesses for do‐
ing the right thing for the community, the environment,
and the bo om line.

green building and renewable energy projects. Reuse
brownfield lands for renewable energy projects. Con‐
sider establishing financing tools for residents and
businesses for energy eﬃciency, water conserva on,
renewable energy, and wind resistance projects.
Green City Purchasing
Promote sustainable purchasing within city govern‐
ment. Establish a policy requiring considera on of the
economic, social, and environmental benefits and
costs associated with city purchases. Considera ons
would correspond to city’s guiding principles for water
conservation, energy conservation, solid waste reduction,
economic development, natural resource protec on,
and community quality of life, and include product
lifecycle assessments when appropriate. The analysis
would also inform decision‐making for capital expendi‐
tures (e.g., infrastructure).
Establish a city policy for environmentally preferable
purchasing and ins tute a recogni on program for city
departments that promote environmentally preferable
purchasing prac ces.
Develop and promote green event planning guidelines
for city events.
Purchase renewable energy for public buildings, when
feasible.
Local City Purchasing
Maximize purchasing of local products and services by
city government. Establish a Local Business Certification
Program oﬀers city purchasing preference to local
businesses, with addi onal preference for locally sold
green goods and services.

INITIATIVES

“Buy Local” Programs
Increase community awareness and patronage of local
businesses. Develop a “Buy Local First” campaign that
promotes local businesses, as defined in the program.
Establish an annual “Buy Local Day First” Day. Explore
the feasibility of implementing a local currency program.
Host a business/ins tu onal buyers and sellers “match
‐making” event to increase exchange of local goods
and services. Develop and promote a Zephyrhills green
business directory.

curricula that prepares students and workers for jobs
in emerging green sectors. Green job training partners
could include the District School Board of Pasco County,
Pasco Hernando Community College, St. Leo University,
University of South Florida, Agency for Workforce Inno‐
vation, Pasco‐Hernando Workforce Board, and others.

INSPIRE A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS SECTOR
Local Green Businesses
Recognize local green businesses. Develop a monthly
or quarterly “Green Business Spotlight” that recognizes
the sustainable, environmentally sound business prac‐
ces and green goods and services of local businesses.
Posted on the City or partner website, the Green Business
Spotlight would highlight aspects of businesses that
result in environmental, economic, and social benefits
to the community, including achievement of cer fica‐
ons from Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED), the Florida Green Building Coali on
(FGBC), the Florida Green Lodging Program, and the
Green Restaurant Associa on. An emphasis of the
spotlight would be on the business returns on invest‐
ment for “going green.”

Business Engagement Program
Deliver a business engagement program. This program
would help Zephyrhills businesses improve their envi‐
ronmental performance, produc vity, and compe ‐
veness. The City or a community partner would in‐
form and encourage businesses to improve eﬃciencies
with respect to energy, waste, and water; develop sus‐
tainable management prac ces such as green purchas‐
ing standards; and re‐imagine and redesign products
and services to give them a compe ve edge.

PLAN FOR GREEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Long‐Range Planning
Address green economic development and sustainabil‐
ity in general in the city’s long range plans. Iden fy
opportuni es, needs, and policies for green economic
development through a strategic planning process and
corresponding amendments to the Comprehensive
Plan. Consider local and regional economic develop‐
ment strategy, economic forecasts, land availability
(e.g., brownfields and greyfields), mul ‐modal connec‐
vity, sustainable community design, consistency with
the city’s Airport Master Plan, and best prac ces from
other communi es (e.g., green business clusters,
green business corridors, and green enterprise zones).
Reinforce the community’s commitment to becoming
a sustainable city by referencing this commitment in
the City of Zephyrhills Mission Statement.
Green Industry Clusters
Partner with the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Com‐
merce, Pasco County, Pasco County Economic Council,
and Tampa Bay Partnership to iden fy and a ract
green business clusters to the greater Zephyrhills area
and region.

TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐19

2 ‐20 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Sustainable places are las ng
places returned to genera on a er genera on
in spite of shi ing demographics, economic
cycles, and transporta on costs.

land use, design + connectivity

Land use, development design, and connec vity in a
community are cri cal pathways to sustainability
aﬀec ng natural resources (e.g., land, water, energy,
and biodiversity), environmental and public health,
housing, employment, economic development, and
social equity.
The density, mix, and arrangement of land uses heavily
influence the amount and method of travel and related
energy use in a community. These same land use charac‐
teristics also affect energy needs for heating and cooling
buildings, building and operating public infrastructure,
and water use.
Changing demographics, evolving technologies (e.g.,
instant connec vity), peak oil, climate change, globali‐
za on, and rightsizing in response to personal and
governmental budgets are driving the need to rethink
how we plan and accommodate future development,
redevelopment, and transporta on in Zephyrhills.
Shaped by an Era of Cheap Energy
Developed areas in Zephyrhills and much of the Tampa
Bay region mostly exhibit a suburban pa ern where
land uses are generally segregated, low density, and
accessible predominantly by automobile. Limited walking
and biking facili es, coupled with distance and barriers
(e.g., wide highways) separa ng des na ons in the
community, make green transporta on (e.g., walking

and biking) inconvenient and imprac cal. Low density
development in automobile oriented environments also
affects the viability of transit and potential for future
transit investments. The local building stock, much of
which was constructed under earlier, less energy‐focused
building codes than exist today, will have to compete
with eﬃcient modern buildings that are less costly to
heat and cool. This condition has implications for urban
sprawl, as most new buildings are going up in greenfield
locations (e.g., agricultural lands) of the city.
Sustainable Places ‐ Great Places
Great neighborhoods, centers, and corridors are the
building blocks of a sustainable community. They are
where people can find good places to live, work, and
shop to meet household needs. Streets and paths oﬀer
convenient ways to travel even if one does not drive.
Places and spaces are designed for life enrichment,
oﬀering opportuni es for interac on socially, cultural‐
ly, and with nature. Buildings and public infrastructure
are designed to be resource efficient and use ecosystem
services—resources and processes supplied by natural
ecosystems—for power and also to absorb and break‐
down waste.
These sustainable places are also las ng places that
are returned to genera on a er genera on in spite of
shi ing demographics, economic cycles, and transpor‐
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐21

ta on costs. Neighborhoods and mixed use centers
weather changing mes by oﬀering a range of housing
types, sizes, and aﬀordability levels to accommodate
families, young adults, empty nesters, and seniors. To
reduced costs, more consumers are choosing to live in
smaller dwellings or larger households (e.g., extended
families), or are renting instead of purchasing a home.
To be sustainable, future and exis ng neighborhoods
and centers must offer existing and future Zephyrhills
residents more housing choices.

across a metropolitan area might lower household
VMT by about 5 to 12 percent, and perhaps by as much
as 25 percent, if coupled with higher employment con‐
centra ons, significant public transit improvements,
mixed uses, and other supportive transportation
demand management measures such as bicycle‐
friendly environments and carpooling (Transporta on
Research Board 2011).

Sustainable Places Create Value
With the average price of gasoline in Florida reaching
close to $4 a gallon in 2012, the case for energy efficient
One‐third of the occupied dwelling units in the
communi es grows stronger. The Center for Neighbor‐
city are occupied by one‐person households.
hood Technology (CNT) reported in February 2012 that
the typical Tampa Bay area family spends about $13,800
on transportation, equal to the amount spent on housing.
A City of Short Distances
The combined expenses represent 56 percent of the
When goods, services, educa on, recrea on, and
average family income, exceeding CNT’s recommended
transit are within walking distance of homes, residents
threshold of 45 percent.
have the option of walking, biking, or using transit
instead of driving—reducing transporta on costs (and Residents of sustainable communi es engage in more
sustainable travel than residents of other communities,
health costs) in the process.
even controlling for demographics and the eﬀects of
Compact, walkable places oﬀer greater independence
the built environment (Kahn & Morris, 2009). Owning
to younger and older members of the community and
a home in a walkable neighborhood can save residents
also to those with disabili es or that do not own a car.
$300 to $400 a month, up to $4,800 a year, on gas
Per the 2006‐2010 American Communi es Survey, 9.8
expenses alone (Congress for the New Urbanism).
percent of the city’s 5,977 households have no vehicle.
In 2010, the 65 years or older group represented over When comparing tax revenue per acre, compact,
28 percent of the Zephyrhills population and 19 percent mixed‐use development pays be er dividends than its
suburban mall counterpart. The cost of public services
were 18 years or younger (U.S. Census Bureau). In
to
accommodate the needs of a large mall develop‐
Florida, the 65 years and older popula on is projected
ment is higher when compared to a dense downtown
to increase by 49 percent between 2010 and 2020,
area (Sonoran Ins tute, 2011).
increasing the number of non‐drivers statewide and
locally.
What happens to money savings when a community
invests in resource eﬃcient and value adding sustaina‐
Compact development pa erns can be eﬀec ve in
reducing motor vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The most ble places? Savings become disposable income for
reliable studies estimate that doubling residential density households, working capital for businesses, and tax

2 ‐22 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

cu ng opportuni es for government. When spent
locally, the injection of new dollars in the local economy
protects existing jobs and possibly creates new ones.
Cooling down for Energy Eﬃciency
Urban heat island eﬀect describes built up areas that
are ho er than nearby rural areas. Heat islands aﬀect
communi es by increasing summer me peak energy
demand, air condi oning costs, air pollu on and
greenhouse gas emissions, heat‐related illness and
mortality, and water quality. Ac ons to reduce urban
heat islands—some with stormwater management
benefits—include increasing tree and vegeta ve cover,
installing green roofs (e.g., roo op gardens), installing
cool (e.g., reflective)—roofs, and using cool pavements.
Energy Eﬃcient Driving
The transporta on sector accounts for 34 percent of
all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and approximately
75 percent of all U.S. oil use, consuming more than 9
million barrels of oil per day. Highway vehicles dominate
energy consump on and CO2 (a greenhouse gas) emis‐
sions in the transporta on sector, making alterna ve fuel
vehicles and alternative fuels promising for reducing de‐
pendence on foreign oil and greenhouse gas emissions.
Alterna ve fuel vehicles (AFV) are vehicles designed to
operate on alterna ve fuels such as compressed and
liquefied natural gas, propane, ethanol, biodiesel,
electricity, and hydrogen. Current barriers to wide‐
spread adop on of AFVs include lack of fueling and
charging infrastructure, few product choices, and cost.
However, rising gas prices and increasing consumer
demand should resolve these barriers.
Motor vehicle fuel economy can also be increased
through improving traffic flows on city streets (e.g., grid
street pa ern, traﬃc signal ming, and roundabouts)
and reducing motor‐idling via an ‐idling policies or
campaigns .
Planning for Sustainable Places
Sustainable places require city plans and regulations that
are supportive of integrated land use and transportation,
infill development, redevelopment, and reinvestment in
existing developed areas of the city (e.g., downtown and
U.S. 301 corridor), compact development that makes
walking, biking, and transit viable forms of transportation,
balanced space for jobs and housing, and other land‐

U.S. vehicle fuel efficiency has increased only
three miles per gallon (mpg) in 80 years.

related elements of sustainability (e.g., land for grow‐
ing food).
The City of Zephyrhills has an existing policy framework
for sustainable community design and development by
way of the Zephyrhills Comprehensive Plan and city
codes. The Comprehensive Plan, which addresses
growth management and community development
issues and goals, includes policies encouraging compact
development in Village Centers and Neighborhoods
and a citywide mul modal transporta on system. City
land development and building codes contain regulations
and standards pertaining to the built environment.
The Zephyrhills Mul ‐Use Trail Master Plan envisions a
robust on and oﬀ‐street trail system serving schools,
parks, and other community focal points. The Community
Redevelopment Area Plan directs new developments
to areas where infrastructure is available to support
walkable urban redevelopment and infill development.

TARGET 4
land use, design + connec vity
By 2015, develop a form‐based code to guide the
development of walkable neighborhoods and
centers and construct three miles of mul ‐use
trail.

INITIATIVES
CREATE SUSTAINABLE LAND USE PATTERNS
Pedestrian/Bicycle‐Oriented Village Centers
Foster walkable/bikeable Village Centers and Neigh‐
borhoods with short distances (5‐ to 10‐minute walk)
between homes, jobs, and daily needs des na ons.
Incen vize pedestrian–oriented infill development/
redevelopment within targeted areas of the city and
discourage suburban sprawl development on green‐
fields at the city periphery.
Con nue implementa on of city plans to iden fy,
prioritize, and incentivize redevelopment of underutilized
areas within the Community Redevelopment Area to
make eﬃcient use of exis ng public infrastructure.
Develop a Sustainable Development Index reflec ve of
the city’s sustainable development goals to evaluate
2 ‐24 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

proposed annexa ons and associated Future Land Use
Map amendments. Use the Sustainable Development
Index to ensure that publicly‐funded capital projects
support and further the city’s sustainable development
goals.
Implement clear and effective land development regula‐
tions, and offer shorter development review timeframes
within the city’s infill/redevelopment target areas.
Implement policies that promote nonresidential intensity,
job accessibility, and jobs‐housing balance in village
centers.
Scale the density and intensity of development and
transportation fees in Village Centers to the availability/
access to transit and opportuni es for internal trip
capture.
Educate developers and the public about the ways sus‐
tainable, energy‐efficient land use patterns, urban design,
and complete streets benefits the economy, ecology,
and community.
Develop partnerships to improve the marke ng of infill
development, matching developers to exis ng sites
and buildings.
Renewable Energy
Provide for renewable energy power genera on and
transmission systems in City land use plans and regula‐
ons. Develop land use policies designa ng lands that
are suitable for renewable energy power genera on
and transmission systems (e.g., solar farms and electric
vehicle charging sta ons).

FOSTER SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH DESIGN
Village Centers and Neighborhood Design
Design unique and special Village Centers and Neigh‐
borhoods that facilitate sustainability through walkable/
bikeable, mixed use places. Develop form‐based land
development regula ons that visually and textually
illustrate the arrangement and scale of buildings along
various street types (e.g., arterial, collector, and local)
and other place‐making, walkability elements such as
sidewalks, ‘complete streets’, shade trees, rear/side‐
yard vehicle parking areas, and a rac ve stormwater
facili es.
Use the Sustainable Development Index reflec ve of
the city’s sustainable development goals to evaluate
proposed development and redevelopment projects.
Create a mechanism to require developer and city staﬀ

coordina on early in the project development phase
to ensure the incorporation of sustainable development
principles. Establish incen ves for new development
and redevelopment that scores higher on the Sustainable
Development Index.
Assist residents, business owners, and other stake‐
holders in the development of Eco‐Neighborhood and
Eco‐District plans that iden fy issues, opportuni es,
targets, and initiatives aimed at improving neighborhood
sustainability and quality of life.
Establish standards for cluster subdivisions to preserve
ecologically sensi ve areas, biodiversity, and other
unique characteris cs of land to be subdivided.
Urban Heat Island Eﬀect
Decrease urban heat island eﬀect. Develop a city‐wide
plan for reducing urban heat island effect from expansive
paved surfaces, such as streets and parking lots. Com‐
munity cooling techniques include tree plan ngs to
create shaded parking lots, sidewalks, future canopy
streets, decreasing the area required for a standard
parking space, reducing the required paving width for
local streets, green roofs, and rain gardens.
Amend the Land Development Code to allow green
roofs and rain gardens to satisfy a portion of the open
space requirement.
Amend the Land Development Code to ensure that
street and site trees are planted to allow root structure
development.
Facilitate reforestation of the city by hosting an annual
tree giveaway on Na onal Arbor Day (last Friday in
April).

FURTHER SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH PLANS &
CODES
Sustainable Community Plans and Codes
Ensure that the adopted plans and codes of the City of
Zephyrhills support sustainable development principles.
Amend the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development
Code as necessary and appropriate to address the
guiding principles, targets, and initiatives of Sustainable
Zephyrhills. Once established, iden fy Eco‐Districts
and Eco‐Neighborhoods in the Comprehensive Plan
Future Land Use Map series .

major des na ons in the city and pathways in Pasco
County. The corridor could follow underu lized pla ed
alleyways and minor streets.

Par cipate in the Safe Routes to School Program and
seek funding for enhancements to designated routes
for safe walking or bicycling to school.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Culture
Foster a bicycle and pedestrian‐friendly environment
and culture in Zephyrhills. Con nue to secure grants
and other funding to implement the Zephyrhills Mul ‐
Use Trail Master Plan, which envisions a well‐designed,
citywide network of trails and bike lanes.

Explore the feasibility of a bicycle loan program in
Downtown and other parts of the City, including
opportuni es for public/private partnerships.

Con nue to expand the sidewalk network to enhance
pedestrian mobility. Establish a hierarchy of sidewalks
and establish standards (e.g., sidewalk width, crosswalks,
and ligh ng) for arterial, collector and local streets.
As part of a neighborhood planning process (e.g., Eco‐
Neighborhoods), engage the community in assessing
the walkability of City neighborhoods and recommend‐
ing improvements where deficiencies exist. The assess‐
ment should consider if goods and services are within
an easy and safe walk so as to allow residents and
employees access to daily needs without using a car.
Recommenda ons could include zoning changes to
allow development that has mixed land uses and com‐
pact, pedestrian‐oriented design.
Control traﬃc speeds on key pedestrian streets (e.g.,
traﬃc calming and law enforcement).

Establish a policy requiring, where appropriate and
safe, pedestrian and bicycle connec ons between new
and exis ng developments, and especially between
single use residen al development and commercial/
retail uses.
Encourage local businesses and organizations to provide
bicycle racks.
Place a multi‐modal map on the City’s website to inform
residents of pedestrian and bicycle trails, transit routes
and stops, parking lots and garages and loca ons of
bike racks.
Transit Connec vity
Foster land use pa erns that make transit service in
Zephyrhills more viable and advocate for transit invest‐
ments that result in better connectivity within the city
and the region. Consider establishing rubber‐tire trolley
service connec ng Village Centers and higher density
neighborhoods to major commercial and employment
centers.

“GREEN STREET” CROSS‐SECTION

Image: Ekis cs Design Studio.
2 ‐26 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Partner with Pasco County Public Transit to install
transit shelters providing transit riders protection from
the elements and direct connect to the sidewalk network.
Continue to incorporate transit considerations into the
development review process.
Ride‐Sharing and Vanpooling
Encourage single‐occupant commuters to car‐pool or
vanpool to reduce costs, energy use, pollu on, and
highway conges on by publicizing commuter services
oﬀered by TBARTA on the City website.

REDUCE ENERGY USE + AIR POLLUTION
Vehicle Miles and Idling
Reduce motor vehicle miles traveled and idling to reduce
energy use and associated air pollu on. Employ inte‐
grated land use and transportation planning and sprawl
reduc on policies to create pedestrian, bicycle and
transit‐friendly village centers and neighborhoods.
Encourage commuters to use rideshare programs and
employers to oﬀer telecommu ng.
Consider the connec vity of street networks in all site
plan, pla ng, and right‐of‐way vaca on applica ons.
To increase route choices, new street networks should
conform to a grid‐pa ern to the extent possible with
respect to ecological resources.
Synchronize traﬃc signals with speed limits to mini‐
mize vehicle stopping and idling. Consider energy‐
eﬃcient roundabouts in lieu of traﬃc signals, where
feasible.
Implement a “no idling” policy for City vehicles. Educate
residents and businesses about the adverse impacts of
unnecessary vehicular idling.

SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES + FUELS
Energy Eﬃcient City Fleet
Expand the city fleet of energy‐eﬃcient and lower
emission vehicles. Include considerations for alternative
fuel vehicles, including electric vehicles, when replacing
or adding city fleet vehicles.
Explore the feasibility of conver ng City fleet vehicles
for electric, compressed natural gas, or biodiesel use.
Explore the feasibility of storage and use of biodiesel
or other alterna ve fuels for the City fleet, including
opportuni es for public/private partnerships.
Infrastructure for Advanced‐Fuel Vehicles
Expand infrastructure to support alterna ve vehicle
technologies. Partner with private, government, or
non‐profit sectors to provide fueling/charging infra‐
structure to support alterna ve vehicle technologies.
Seek funding for addi onal electric vehicle plug‐in
sta ons to meet future demand.
Explore the designation of certain streets for low‐speed
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV).
Community Awareness of Available Technologies
Expand community awareness of alternative fuel vehicles
and infrastructure availability in the city. Promote the
benefits of alterna ve fuel vehicles with a focus on
commercial fleets.
Explore incentives for drivers of alternative fuel vehicles,
such as reserved parking.
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐27

ALMOST HALF‐WAY THERE
In 2010, Bill 7243 was passed by the Florida
Legislature se ng a recycling goal of 75%
by 2020 for Florida coun es.

Combusted (14%)

Recycled (31%)

Landfilled (55%)

FLORIDA MUNICIPAL
SOLID WASTE, 2010

2 ‐ 28 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

By reducing, reusing, and recycling
waste, our community can save money, lower
the risks of environmental hazards, and help
preserve resources for future genera ons.

waste reduction + reuse

Reducing solid waste is important to a sustainable
community. All items consumed require natural
resources, consume energy, and generate pollu on
during produc on and transport to market. Items
‘thrown away’ become waste that must be hauled to
disposal facili es using more energy and genera ng
more pollu on in the process.
Saving energy is an important benefit of reusing and
recycling items that would otherwise become waste.
Collecting recyclables to create useful materials requires
energy, but usually far less than needed to make the
same products from newly extracted materials.

accounts for about 9 percent of the city’s solid waste—
the third largest component after paper (34 percent)
and yard trimmings (16.5 percent).

ENERGY COST OF WASTE COLLECTION
Waste is collected from city residential and commercial
customers twice a week. Recyclables in blue bags are
collected every two weeks. The residential pick up route
is roughly 106 miles which requires approximately 51
COMPOSITION OF SINGLE‐FAMILY RESIDENTIAL WASTE
DISPOSED AT RRF (% BY WEIGHT), CITY OF ZEPHYRHILLS

WASTE PRODUCTION + RECYCLING
In fiscal year 2010/2011, the city’s Sanitation Department
collected 11,445 tons of solid waste—4,915 tons from
households, 6,463 tons from businesses, 4.68 tons of
waste res, and 63 tons of recyclable materials (i.e.,
aluminum cans, n/steel cans, #1 and #2 plas cs, and
glass bo les/jars). Based on these figures and the
city’s 2010 popula on of 13,315, 4.7 pounds of solid
waste are generated per resident per day. Less than
one‐tenth of a pound of waste per resident is recycled
even though recyclables make up a significant portion
of the city’s solid waste stream (see figure at right).
A Pasco County waste and recyclables composi on
study conducted in 2011 indicated that food waste

gallons of petro diesel fuel. The commercial route is
134 miles, using 54 gallons of diesel. Over the course
of a year, city trash pick up and transport to the Pasco
County Resource Recovery (waste‐to‐energy) Facility
(RRF) in Shady Hills consume 21,191 gallons of diesel
at an annual cost of $67,053 at $3.16 per gallon as of
March 2012.

Ask employees to print hardcopies only when necessary
and to use double‐sided prin ng when they do print.

Coupled with opera onal costs, the price tag of the
solid waste collection in the city is $1,186,804 annually.

An ‐Li er Campaign
Raise community awareness about li er‐preven on
and reduce risks to community health, water quality,
and wildlife habitat. Partner with Keep Pasco Beau ful,
a non‐profit organiza on, for the Great American
Cleanup. This na onwide event takes place every year
on the third Saturday in April.

POLLUTION FROM WASTE

INCREASE RECYCLING

While the waste‐to‐energy process reduces the amount
of solid waste disposed of in landfills, it also produces
pollutants from burning plas cs and res. Compound‐
ing the problem is proper disposal of hazardous materials
such as chemicals, ba eries, electronics, and pharma‐
ceu cals that can contaminate water and soil if not
handled properly.

Recycling at Home and Work
Make recycling easier at home and at work. Provide
recycling bins to customers in place of the blue bag
system and increase curbside recycling pick from
biweekly to weekly. The City of Dade City made these
changes and saw recycling par cipa on rates increase
from 3 percent to over 20 percent.

INITIATIVES
REDUCE SOLID WASTE
Customer Incen ves for Reducing Trash
Provide incen ves to encourage waste reduc on (and
recycling). Offer customers opportunities to save money
on their solid waste bill by paying for the volume (i.e.,
bin size) of waste generated. The premise of this
incentive system, known as Pay As You Throw (PAYT),
is that customers will want to divert more waste to
recycling. Note: PAYT should be paired with a suitably
scaled recycling program.
In conjunc on with PAYT, implement once per week
solid waste pick‐up instead of twice per week.
Paperless Oﬃce
Reduce paper use in city government. Ins tute policies
and prac ces to reduce the amount of paper used in
city government. Poten al areas of paper (and money
savings) include electronic mecards, payroll, u lity
billing/payments, and development plan processing.
2 ‐ 30 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

The average home can easily accumulate as much as 100
pounds of household chemicals.

Recycling Incen ves
Provide incen ves for recycling. Consider establishing
an incen ve program to increase recycling in the City.
Incentive‐based recycling programs, such as RecycleBank
or Rewards for Recycling, award points to residents
based on the frequency or weight of their recyclables.
Points can be exchanged for free or discounted goods
and services from local businesses.
Recycling Drop‐Oﬀ Centers
Expand the reach of the city recycling ini a ve. Install
large recycling bins or dumpsters in convenient locations
in Zephyrhills. Partner with local organiza on, such
Meals on Wheels East Pasco, for collec on recyclables.

Recycling drop‐off centers should be monitored to deter
disposal of unwanted materials and contaminates.
Recycling at City Facili es
Make recycling easy, eﬃcient, and comprehensive at
municipal buildings and grounds. Establish a purchasing
policy that favors products made with recycled or
plant‐based, biodegradable materials, when feasible.
Ask contractors working for the city to recycle a specified
percentage of their construc on and demoli on waste
(e.g., wood, glass and metals).
Publicize city projects and accomplishments rela ve to
waste reduc on and recycling in a Sustainable Zeph‐
yrhills Annual Report.
Recycling “On the Go”
Locate recycling receptacles in high‐traffic public spaces
and at city events. Consider using innova ve technolo‐
gies, such as solar‐powered, compac ng receptacles
that require less emp ng and do not use electricity.
Compos ng
Local urban agriculture and other hor cultural groups
value compost as an organic soil amendment. Encourage
composting by partnering with the Pasco County Coop‐

erative Extension to provide composting workshops.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protec on
states that backyard compos ng and grass clipping
management are two of the best methods to recycle
organic waste.
Sponsor a compos ng demonstra on project at a
community garden, local school, or municipal building.
Consider implemen ng a curb‐side food and yard
waste recycling program.
Partner with businesses for processing, sale, and distri‐
bu on of compost to consumers.
Recyclables Markets
Markets for recyclable materials are essential to closing
the recycling loop and channeling resources back into
use. Encourage recycling business start‐ups in Zephyrhills,
including collectors or haulers; processors (material
recovery facili es); brokers; and end‐users (manu‐
facturers).
Partner with the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Com‐
merce to promote businesses that buy recycled mate‐
rials. Pasco County partnered with U.S. GreenFiber for
a turnkey opera on to collect waste paper for manu‐
facturing cellulose insula on. Over 100 "Bring It from

THE PRODUCT LIFECYCLE
Every step in a product’s life uses energy and generates waste. By re‐using and recycling products one or more mes before
disposal, the ecological loop is shortened—less raw materials, less energy, less waste.

TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐ 31

Home!" recycling bins are located across the county,
including public schools and county facili es in the
Zephyrhills area.
Recycling Fundraisers
Assist organiza ons in holding fundraisers that build
community awareness about recycling while diver ng
materials from the solid waste stream.
Partner with local nonprofits, schools, clubs, and other
organizations to initiate recycling drives for fundraising
(e.g., “cash for cans”).
Electronics Recycling
Increase awareness about the proper disposal of e‐waste.
Partner with Pasco County Solid Waste and Resource
Recovery Department to increase community awareness
of the hazards of improperly disposed of electronic
waste (e‐waste).

such as the annual “Pasco Art of Recycling Contest” or
“Dream Machine Recycle Rally”—a recycling program
oﬀering schools a chance to earn rewards, compete for
prizes, and support post‐9/11 disabled U.S. veterans.
The District has received awards and recogni ons for
its recycling programs and is considered a model
school district for increasing student (and family)
awareness about solid waste issues.

WASTE TO ENERGY
Explore Waste to Energy Alterna ves
Explore op ons for using waste to produce energy
locally. Explore the feasibility of a biofuel recycling
center and partnerships with the private sector to
produce biofuel for the city’s fleet. The City of Talla‐
hassee’s biodiesel facility is capable of producing 300
gallons of biodiesel per day using waste vegetable oil.

Partner with local groups to locate e‐cycling receptacles
in the city and organize annual e‐waste recycling days.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLING AWARENESS
Partnerships for Awareness
Oﬀer public awareness and public educa on programs
about waste reduc on, reuse, and recycling. Partner
with Pasco County Solid Waste and Resource Recovery
Department, Pasco County Coopera ve Extension, or
other organiza ons to provide informa on and
encourage broad par cipa on in the City’s waste
reduc on and recycling programs.
Ask residents to submit sugges ons on ways to make
recycling easier in Zephyrhills.
Partner with the District School Board of Pasco County
for additional educational opportunities and community
service projects targeted to the Zephyrhills community
2 ‐ 32 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

BREAKING IT DOWN
Compos ng is a way to recycle yard and food wastes back
into the soil to increase soil fertility and decrease solid waste.

TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐ 33

A BIG THIRST—FLORIDA’S 2030 POPULATION
EXPECTED TO REACH 23,877,889
The state’s popula on jumped 17.6% between
2000 and 2010 (U.S. Census Bureau), and is
projected to grow by 253,829 residents a year
between 2010 and 2030 (UF BEBR 2011).
2 ‐ 34 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Water is essen

al for all dimensions of life.

water conservation + protection

Clean, fresh water is key to community sustainability‐‐
indeed, we could not survive without it. Of all the water
on Earth, only a ny frac on is fresh and available. Yet
overuse and pollution threaten our fragile water supplies.
This is especially true in Florida, where the population—
currently 18.8 million—is likely to reach 24 million by
2030.1 Increasing demand, limited supplies, and pollu‐
on from lawns, agriculture, roads, and industry will
profoundly aﬀect water resources if not managed well.
In Zephyrhills, "City of Pure Water," protecting this vital
resource is a top community priority. Residents can do
their part by using water wisely and reducing the
eﬀects of pollu on.
Zephyrhills has always been known for good quality
drinking water tapped from a vast underground aquifer
system. Over the years, this natural resource has
a racted residents and industry to the city, helping
build community health and prosperity. But steadily
rising demand for groundwater in the northern Tampa
Bay area has lowered water levels in lakes, wetlands,
and the aquifer, threatening the future of this water
supply.
Our Water Budget
One response to lessening the environmental damage
caused by pumping large quan es of water out of the
ground has been to limit groundwater withdrawals.
The City of Zephyrhills—along with other public and

private water suppliers that share a dwindling water
supply in the Hillsborough River Basin—is allo ed a
specific amount of groundwater by the Southwest
Florida Water Management District, a state agency
responsible for water supply, water quality, flood
protec on, and protec ng the environment.
Before new development can be built in Zephyrhills,
there must be enough water in the city’s water budget
to meet the needs of new residents and businesses.
Current water use in Zephyrhills accounts for about 86
percent of the allo ed 2.9 million gallons of water per
day, making water a limi ng factor for future develop‐
ment prospects in the city.
The Cost of Cheap Water
Because groundwater is rela vely inexpensive, there is
li le economic incen ve to use less. Why else would
so many households in Florida spray more than half of
the potable water they consume for irriga ng lawns.
For any other product, one would expect reduc ons in
supply to result in higher prices (e.g., gasoline).
Once this cheap supply of water has been fully allocated,
the only op ons available to a community that desires
future growth are to develop alterna ve sources of
water, such as reservoirs, seawater desaliniza on, or
piped water from distant places, which are very costly.
Another op ons is to stretch the exis ng water supply
by using the resource more eﬃciently.
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐ 35

RESIDENTIAL AVERAGE WATER USE

pumping, trea ng and delivering potable water alone
accounts for $71 million in annual energy costs. Also,
fossil‐fuel‐powered electric plants consume more than
132 billion gallons of fresh water per day in the U.S.

Dishwasher 1%

Bath 1%

Faucet 6%

Leaks 6%

10%

Shower 7%

20%

30%

Clothes Washer 9%

40%

Toilets 11%

50%

Outdoor 59%

60%

Source: American Water Works Associa on Research Founda on.

Public awareness campaigns and rebates for water‐
eﬃcient fixtures have spawned some voluntary water
conservation, but households, industry, and government
need to do more to ensure that high quality, low cost
water in Zephyrhills will be available for future city
residents and businesses.
Pure Water
The Floridan aquifer, which supplies 100 percent of the
drinking water in Zephyrhills is vulnerable to pollution.
In freshwater springs, which are hydraulically connected
to the aquifer, the eﬀects of groundwater pollu on is
evident. The primary pollutants are nitrates—byproducts
of wastewater treatment, sep c tanks, and fer lizers
used on lawns and agricultural crops.
Typical developments of the last few decades tend to
generate massive amounts of stormwater run‐oﬀ
because they contain so much hard, impervious surface
area (e.g., roofs on sprawling one‐story buildings, vast
parking lots, and extensive networks of wide roads).
Direct channeling of stormwater by pipes into streams
bypasses the cleansing eﬀect of percola on through
the soil or slow movement through wetlands. Impervious
surfaces also drama cally reduces the rate at which
stormwater replenishes groundwater.
A Sustainable Community is Water Smart
It is possible to have a future in which all of our basic
water needs are met, healthy ecosystems are sustained,
and the local economy can grow and diversify. To realize
this future, the Zephyrhills community must reassess
how they value and use water, and take necessary
ac ons at home, school, work, and play.
The Water—Energy Connec on
Water and wastewater systems together represent up
to 35 percent of municipal energy use. In Florida,
2 ‐ 36 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Public space with a “Celebrate the Aquifer” message.

TARGET 6
water conserva on + protec on
Reduce daily per capita water use from 119 gallons
to 113 gallons (5 percent) by year 2015 and 107
gallons (10 percent) by year 2018 through a mul
‐pronged water conserva on campaign.

INITIATIVES
STRETCH OUR WATER SUPPLY
Water Saving Campaign
Phase 1: Partner with local businesses to sponsor a
water‐saving compe on between neighborhood/
homeowners associa ons.
Phase 2: Perform indoor and outdoor water audits of
the largest water users in the city, such as schools and
large businesses. Based on the findings, suggest ways
to reduce water use .
Phase 3: Expand upon the City’s high‐eﬃciency toilet
rebate program to include other water‐saving devices
such as rain barrels and sensor irriga on systems.
Phase 4: Challenge everyone in the City to save six gallons
of water each day through simple water‐saving ac ons

Price water to reflect the true cost of the service and
encourage water conserva on.
Achieve community support for water rates through
education and water conservation opportunities. Water
rates seldom reflect the full financial costs of providing
the service—rarer s ll is recovery for environmental
costs. Although full costs are ul mately paid one way
or another—most commonly through property taxes—
shi ing the full cost into water prices encourages con‐
serva on by revealing the true cost to customers.

Serve as a model for landscape water conserva on
through incrementally replacing turf grass that is purely
ornamental with drought‐tolerant "Florida‐Friendly"
landscaping.
Partner with local garden clubs, Florida Na ve Plant
Society, and Pasco County Coopera ve Extension to
create a "Florida Friendly Yard of the Month" recognition
program that emphasizes minimal use of irriga on.
Reuse Water
Con nue to expand the City’s reclaimed water system
to serve more neighborhoods. As part of a water saving
campaign, promote the groundwater saving benefits
of using reclaimed water for landscape irriga on. Seek
grant funding for expansion of the reclaimed water
system.

Florida‐Friendly Landscaping™

OUNCE OF PREVENTION OR GALLON OF CURE?
Groundwater Quality
Preserve the high quality of the City’s groundwater.
Develop a program for the elimina on/abatement of
sep c tanks use within the City. Educate homeowners
and other property owners about ac ons they can take
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐ 37

to protect groundwater water, including decreasing the
use of water pollu ng chemicals such as cleaning
agents, pes cides, herbicides, and fer lizers and
properly disposing of hazardous waste.
Surface Water Quality
Increase protec on of surface waters within local
drainage basins. Educate homeowners and other prop‐
erty owners about ac ons they can take to protect the
water quality of area streams and lakes, including
maintaining vegeta ve buﬀers around water bodies,
decreasing the use of water pollu ng chemicals such
as cleaning agents, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers,
and properly disposing of hazardous waste.
Install a solar‐powered aeration fountain in Lake Zephyr
to improve water quality, increase the viability of the
lake to support aqua c animals and water cleansing
bacteria, along with educational interpretative signage
about the fountain and other eﬀorts to restore water
quality in the lake.

WATER‐WISE BUILDINGS, PLACES & SPACES
New Construc on
Ensure that all new construc on makes use of the best
available water conserva on technologies. Through
educa on and/or incen ves (e.g., accelerated site plan
review), encourage use of water conservation standards
such as Florida Water StarTM—a voluntary cer fica on
program for new construc on and exis ng home
renova on—in new construc on. Require Low Impact
Development techniques when issuing building permits.
In coordina on with the Southwest Florida Water
Management District, explore the feasibility of providing
stormwater credits for onsite rainwater capture and
direct onsite use/recharge.

Source:
1. Bureau of Economic & Business Research, University of Florida, 2011.

2 ‐ 38 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Image: Ekis cs Design Studio.

Community gardens are vibrant gathering
places that produce fresh, healthy food
and support neighborhood livability.

urban agriculture

Agriculture has been a part of North American ci es
for centuries. From colonial se lements that gave
agriculture a central place in the town commons to
20th century Victory and Depression gardens—the
largest‐scale urban garden ini a ves in the U.S. to
date—local food systems have addressed issues of
food security, public health, social well‐being, and
environmental stewardship. In Zephyrhills, farming
was the backbone of the community through the
1930s and 1940s, ul mately succumbing to the freezes
of 1982 and 1983.
Today, agriculture is making a comeback in urban places
as a way to achieve greener ci es. Through backyard
and schoolyard gardens, farming coopera ves, and
‘buy local’ movements, communi es are reconnec ng
with their food, enjoying the taste and nutritional value
of fresh‐picked produce, reducing the energy costs of
food, and learning (and relearning) about gardening,
composting, canning, and community‐building.
Field to Fork—Shortening the Distance
Conventional food production and distribution requires
a tremendous amount of energy. It is es mated that
10 percent of energy consumed annually in the U.S.
was by the food industry. To produce one calorie of
edible food, seven to 10 calories of energy are used. A
significant portion of that energy is for transport. It is
common practice for food to be shipped around the

country or around the world prior to reaching consum‐
ers. As a result, the average American foodstuﬀ trav‐
els approximately 1,500 miles before being consumed.
Growing a Healthy Community
Urban agriculture contributes to community health in
a host of ways. Gardening provides opportuni es for
recrea on, physical ac vity, social interac on, and
community building. Increased green space, improved
air quality, enhanced soils, reduced heat island eﬀects,
and greater urban biodiversity benefit the natural
environment. Local economies stand to gain from urban
agriculture. Increasing consumer interest in healthy,
local foods can create or expand local markets,
s mula ng new businesses and jobs.
Local food produc on can help address food security
issues in a community. Food security exists when all
people at all mes have access to enough food for an
active, healthy life, a necessary condition for a nourished
and healthy popula on. In 2008 and 2009, almost 15
percent of U.S. households had very low food security.
Urban agriculture can increase local supply and accessi‐
bility of affordable fresh food.
Who’s Your Farmer?
Urban agriculture and other local foods ini a ves can
be supportive of local farmers by strengthening linkages
between communi es, processors, distributors, and
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐ 39

farmers. Greater availability of local products in local
markets provides revenues to Florida farmers, reduces
transport costs, and helps preserve farms and farmlands.
Agriculture in the City
In 2008, 82 percent of the U.S. popula on resided in
ci es and suburbs, o en far removed from food‐yielding
farms. Growing food in cities is not only possible, it is
viable. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
urban commercial gardens produce yields that can be
13 mes greater per acre than from rural farms. A
study found that if the City of Cleveland converted 80
percent of its vacant lots into gardens, the city could
produce 22 percent to 48 percent of demand for fresh
produce, 25 percent of demand for poultry and eggs,
and 100 percent of demand for honey. Food production
in Cleveland would keep $29‐115 million in the local
economy.

semi‐public land (schoolyards and church yards).
A successful urban agriculture program depends on
many partners—residents, gardeners, farmers,
merchants, consumers, restaurants, and government.
Although it is ideal to have a wide range of partners
contributing to an urban agriculture initiative, a
successful program can start small, with only a few
ac ve par es.

Planning for Urban Agriculture
City government plays a vital role in local food produc‐
on through the adop on of suppor ve policies and
regula ons. The defini on of urban agriculture varies
from city to city but is generally defined as the growing,
processing, and distribution of food and other products
through intensive plant cultivation and animal husbandry
in and around ci es. Depending on local condi ons
and preferences, a community decides which agricultural
ac vi es and loca ons are appropriate.
Urban agriculture ac vi es could include community
and private gardens, edible landscaping, fruit trees,
food‐producing green roofs, aquaculture, farmers
markets, small‐scale farming such as Community
Supported Agriculture (CSA), hobby beekeeping, and
food compos ng. Possible loca ons for urban agricul‐
ture are central areas of the city and at the periphery;
on homesteads; on private land (owned or leased),
public land (parks, open spaces, or rights‐of‐way), and
2 ‐ 40 | SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS

Community Awareness
Increase community awareness about urban agriculture
methods and ini a ves. Partner with the Pasco County
Coopera ve Extension, UF/IFAS Cer fied Master Gar‐
deners, and other agriculture experts to provide work‐
shops and courses for individuals interested in garden‐
ing or small‐scale agricultural produc on. Use public
buildings or land for an urban agriculture demonstra‐
on project that could include a greenhouse, an aqua‐
culture/biponics project, a roo op vegetable garden.
Urban Agriculture Policy
Establish suppor ve policies, standards, and guidelines
for urban agriculture uses, structures, and ac vi es
deemed appropriate for Zephyrhills. Consider allowing
community gardens in all zoning districts and farmers
markets in commercial and other zoning districts.
Integrate urban agriculture into the site planning process
for new residen al and commercial developments and
consider provisions for open space credit for land set‐
aside for gardens within new developments.
Urban Agriculture Sites
Inventory city‐managed lands to determine poten al
open spaces suitable for community gardens or other
urban agriculture ac vi es. Create a pilot program
fostering the development of community gardens on
public and other lands. Convene a task force to assist
with these and other urban agriculture related
projects and tasks.

THE FORGOTTEN AGRICULTURAL INPUT
Pollina on can be a limi ng factor in
growing our food. Every other necessary
cultural need may be met, but pollina on
failure can limit the quality, the quan ty,
or even deny the yield altogether.

SUPPORT THE LOCAL “FOOD SHED”
Local Food Shed Linkages
Create or reinforce linkages between local farmers, consumers, businesses, and organiza ons. Establish a “Buy
Fresh Buy Local” campaign that encourages local residents to buy food produced within 300 miles of Zephyrhills.
Explore job and business creation opportunities associated with growing, processing, storing, and selling local
food. Partner with volunteer organizations to harvest and distribute unwanted produce from private properties to
local food banks.
Local Food Culture
Foster a local food culture in Zephyrhills. Collaborate with individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions to
hold fes vals and events that celebrate local food (e.g., community gardens “best salsa” contest). Publicize a
link to a directory of area farmers markets on the City website. Establish a farmers market featuring fresh food
produced by local farmers and businesses.
TARGETS + INITIATIVES | 2 ‐ 41

SECTION THREE

tools + timeframes

S U S TA I N A B L E
ZEPHYRHILLS

ORGANIZING FOR ACTION

action plan
The Ac on Plan in this sec on organizes the ini a ves and ac ons iden fied in Sec on 2 by iden fying who
(lead and support en es), when (short‐, medium‐, and long‐term meframes), and by what means
(implementa on tools) ac ons may be carried out.
The es mated meframes shown in the Ac on Plan are reflec ve of community priori es as well as a gen‐
eral assessment of city government’s capacity—in terms of staﬀ and fiscal resources—to be directly or indi‐
rectly involved in comple ng ac ons. The Ac on Plan will inform the city’s annual budge ng process when
all iden fied city needs are priori zed and matched to available resources. The actual ming of Sustainable
Zephyrhills ac ons will be determined in conjunc on with this budge ng process.
A general assessment of available resources also applies to the community partners iden fied in the Ac on
Plan. The Ac on Plan serves to suggest ways to be involved, such as sponsoring a “green” event or hos ng
an educa onal program, but does not obligate the organiza on to act.
Lastly, the Ac on Plan is a flexible document that may be modified to respond to changed condi ons. For
example, a financial grant award may cause a project to occur sooner or a new method or technology for
achieving a desired end result may be more feasible than one iden fied previously.

Use a variety of outreach tools to inform
the community about sustainability.
ACTIONS:
a. Email Listserv. Invite people to register for information by providing an email address or other contact information. Use the
email addresses to create a listserv that allows timely and low‐cost communications from the city to interested parties. Send e‐
Note:
This initiative is intended to support the
notices about Sustainable Zephyrhills initiatives, events, and activities. Notices may also be sent cost‐effectively along with
paper or electronic utility billings.
achievement of all of the Sustainable
Zephyrhills initiatives and targets by
b. Web Links. Provide website links, widgets, and video public service announcements from agencies partners (e.g., Chamber of
informing the community of ways to be
Commerce and Sustainable Zephyrhills Facebook) providing green education and awareness on the city website.
involved in city‐ and partner‐sponsored c. Green Portal. Highlight sustainable initiatives, programs, projects, and policies on a dedicated city green website (portal).
sustainability projects and programs. As
d. Green Assets Map. Create a downloadable e‐map showing the locations of green community features such as parks, fresh
such, the timeframe for this initiative is
markets, walkable districts and neighborhoods, bicycle and pedestrian ways.
on‐going.
e. Green Tips. Offer a daily or weekly green tip on the city website, green portal, or direct email (i.e., email listserv).
f. Video. Post short videos about sustainability initiatives on the city website. Videos could be created by the community as part of
a community project or competition.
g. Media Kit. Maintain a website media kit for Sustainable Zephyrhills including fact sheets, past media coverage, logos, high‐
resolution photographs and other images, and contact information.
h. Calendar of Green Events. Create a 12‐month sustainability calendar highlighting at least one local sustainability‐related event
each month. The calendar could feature city or partner‐sponsored events (e.g., Pasco County Cooperative Extension class
offered in the Zephyrhills area).
i. Green Marketplace. A green marketplace is an online forum that promotes sustainability‐related community activities such as
farmers markets, community gardens that residents may join, local foods in season with recipes, “grow local” or “buy local”
campaigns, and green topic discussion groups or training classes. The green market place could be offered by the city or through
partnership with another entity.
j. Bulletin Boards. Community bulletin boards are ideal for posting information on sustainability happenings. Community centers,
recreation centers, park kiosks, libraries, storefronts, and churches usually have community bulletin boards that are viewed by
many people on a regular basis.
k. Surveys. Surveys can be administered to evaluate the community’s knowledge of and/or support for green initiatives, and
inform people about the initiatives at the same time. Surveys can be statistically valid or not, depending on circumstances. Mini‐
surveys may be conducted at community events like expos or fairs as a polling method. Participation may be incentivized
through drawings or small giveaways (e.g., compost bins, reusable tote bags).

ACTION:
Partner with a home improvements business to launch a Biggest Loser” or “Biggest Saver” competition focusing on the benefits of
reducing energy and/or water use in the home. The contest asks participants (individuals, groups, or neighborhoods) to monitor
energy/water use in their homes through utility billings over a period of time. Results are reported and winners are awarded a
sustainable prize (product or home improvement).
Resource: http://www.sustainablesaratoga.com/about‐us/initiatives/biggest‐looser‐energy‐challenge/
Overall Plan
ANY CITY
PARTNERS
Project
Implementation &
DEPT
Community Building
ACTION:
Provide small paper bags at places where residents frequent, like a community center, library, school, church, etc., and invite
people to write a community project idea on the bag. Others who like the idea and want to help develop the project put their
contact information in the bag. School idea bags could be done separately and coupled with a youth innovation awards program.
Ideas for intra‐generational projects could arise from the process.

ANY CITY
DEPT

ACTION:
Partner with local schools or clubs to sponsor a poster contest with a sustainability message such as water conservation,
recycling, and energy conservation. Resources:
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=9dqtfgiab&oeidk=a07e5g75vfmef2e5447
http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/dropsavers/index.htm

ANY CITY
DEPT

ACTION:
Sponsor a video contest with a sustainability theme such as:
• “Why green is good for Zephyrhills” or “What makes you happy about a sustainable future?”
• “How do you live sustainably?” or “What are some awesome examples of sustainability in your community?”
Resource: http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/Page.asp?NavID=2859

ANY CITY
DEPT

ACTION:
Engage different age groups in community projects to encourage exchange of knowledge, skills, and values while learning about
their environment. Such projects promote inclusiveness and collaboration to build a stronger community.
Resource: http://www.epa.gov/aging/ia/examples.htm

ANY CITY
DEPT

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

6.

5.

4.

3.

2.

COMMUNITY‐BASED LEARNING

COMMUNITY AWARENESS + ACTION

Best Practice Community Programs

Green Collage + Mural Competitions

Green Walking + Biking Tours

■

■

■
Policy

PARTNERS

■

■

■
Policy, Program or
Project

Overall Plan
Implementation &
Community Building

PARTNERS

■

Program

Overall Plan
Implementation

Overall Plan
Implementation

PARTNERS

■

Project

Overall Plan
Implementation

RESIDENTS

■

Policy

Overall Plan
Implementation

PASCO
GOV’TS

■

Policy

Overall Plan
Implementation

PAGE 3‐4

ACTION:
Advocate for a Green Government Partnership among Pasco County local governments to facilitate idea sharing, information
exchange, and project collaboration among elected officials and local government sustainability coordinators. This group could
work with the educational community to incorporate stewardships principles into school curricula.

DEV

ACTION:
Establish an advisory group or board of city residents representing a cross‐section of community interests (e.g., seniors, youth,
minority group, business, etc.). The group or board would meet regularly to discuss and offer recommendations on city projects
and initiatives having the potential to influence the implementation of the Sustainable Zephyrhills Plan.

DEV

ACTION:
Install interpretative signage for green features in the city to inform residents and visitors about such things as native vegetation,
green transportation (e.g., bike trails and bus service), recycling facilities, electric vehicle charging station, etc.

PW & PR

ACTION:
Partner with a local business or community organization to offer self‐guided or tour guide‐led walking or biking tours with stops
along the way for observation and discussion about green community features.

ANY CITY
DEPT

ACTION:
Explore programs that have been successful in increasing sustainability awareness in other communities.

ANY CITY
DEPT

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

12. Green Government Partnership

11. Sustainable Zephyrhills Advisory Board

PARTNERS

ACTION:
Create a pictorial dialogue of a green practice or achievement (e.g., community garden, eco‐festival, or a new green building) in
high‐traffic locations in the city. Promote these works of art in an e‐brochure on the city or a partner website.

ANY CITY
DEPT

CULTIVATE VOLUNTEERS & ADVOCATES

10. Signs + Interpretative Displays

9.

EXPLORE OUR HOME

8.

7.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS + ACTION

PASCO
GOV’TS

■

Policy

Overall Plan
Implementation

PARTNERS

■
Program

Overall Plan
Implementation

http://www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/greenest‐city/small‐grants

PAGE 3‐5

ACTION:
Provide small matching grants (e.g., $1,000) to neighborhood organizations for green projects or programs meeting certain
criteria. Seek program sponsors from the business community. Resource:

DEV

ACTION:
Advocate for bringing the UF/IFAS Program for Sustainable Living to the Pasco County Cooperative Extension. The program
provides educational and training programs promoting sustainable practices in the community, such as the Sustainable Floridian
program. Those completing the Sustainable Floridian curriculum maintain certification by providing 30 hours of service to the
community on an annual basis.

DEV

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

14. Greening Zephyrhills Matching Grants

County Extension offices typically offer
programming that reflects the needs of
its residents.

ACTIONS:
a. Work with developers and builders early in the permitting process to encourage green building practices in the design,
construction, maintenance, and operation of new and renovated buildings and building sites.
b. Use a Sustainable Development Index to determine bonuses (e.g., density and height) for development incorporating a wide
range of sustainable design techniques.
c. Promote the use of green building performance standards, such as the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), U.S. Green
Building Council Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star, and
Green Globe Rating System. Refund 50% of building permit fees for buildings that receive any of these certifications. To fund
this green incentive, consider increasing other building permit fees.
d. Amend the Land Development Code to define “cool roofs” and considering making cool roofs a requirement for new
buildings, except those with a green roof or solar energy system.

DEV &
PARTNER

ACTIONS:
a. Partner with homeowner/neighborhood organizations and business sponsors for a green neighborhood challenge. Provide
participants with information and tools for success (e.g., water‐saving best practices or online energy calculator). The challenge
could be an early action project for an Eco‐Neighborhood or Eco‐District community planning effort (see Action 31.c below).
b. Partner with a local business organization, such as the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce or Pasco County Economic
Development Council, and one or more local businesses to sponsor a “Going Green” business challenge.
c. Sponsor energy efficiency seminars during Energy Awareness Month (October) in partnership with the Pasco County
Cooperative Extension to provide information on best practices for saving energy in homes and businesses. A giveaway, such
as a starter kit of energy efficiency products, would provide an incentive for seminar participation and immediate action to
save energy.
d. Establish kilowatt meter lending and education program to increase awareness of the energy demand of appliances and small
electronics in the home and at work.
e. Work with local builders and realtors to inform consumers about the benefits of green buildings to household budgets and the
environment. Compile evidence of the returns on investment to builders, building owners and end‐users of green buildings.
f. Increase city staff’s knowledge about sustainable design and its role in reducing costs and improving environmental quality.

DEV &
PARTNER

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Increase the resource efficiency of new
and existing structures throughout the
city.

16. Greening Existing + New Structures

Increase community awareness of
resource‐efficient building technologies.

ACTIONS:
a. Amend the Land Development Code to provide for clean energy production in the city and to include related standards for
permitted, accessory, or conditional use in zoning districts; height, setback, visibility, and coverage standards for roof‐
mounted and ground‐mounted systems; provision of solar‐oriented lots; provision of solar‐ready construction; provision of
grid‐connected and off‐grid systems; and solar installations.
b. Distribute solar‐access guidelines to developers, builders, homeowners, and other building owners. Resource:
http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/NR/rdonlyres/102D3AE0‐4AB4‐4BBA‐925C‐59C00723375D/0/Solar_Access_Packet.pdf
c. Implement a sustainable building permit expedite program for buildings that employ energy efficiency and clean energy
technologies.
d. Consider establishing a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to provide long‐term loans to property owners for
energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, and wind resistance projects. Loans are backed by an assessment on
the improved property and the assessment is enforced by a lien. The program is currently applicable to commercial properties
in Florida. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) objections over lien holder positioning and lender risk and Federal court
action have stalled PACE for residential properties. Resource: http://dsireusa.org/solar/solarpolicyguide/?id=26

DEV

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Increase clean energy production
citywide.

18. Clean Energy City

INCREASE CLEAN (RENEWABLE) ENERGY USE

Reduce electricity consumption by city
government.

17. City Electricity Consumption

e. Amend the Land Development Code to define “green roof” and to allow a building’s green roof area to count toward a
development’s required open space under certain circumstances.
f. Establish a Sustainable Development Technical Advisory Committee comprised of city departmental staff (e.g., Planning,
Building, Finance and Public Works) to periodically review existing city codes to identify impediments to green building
techniques and ways to encourage these and other sustainable practices.
Money Savings,
ALL CITY
‐ ‐ ‐
Policy
Resource Conservation
DEPTS
& Pollution Reduction
ACTIONS:
a. Establish a Sustainable Development Technical Advisory Committee comprised of city departmental staff (e.g., Planning,
Building, Finance and Public Works) to identify and evaluate ideas to increase energy efficiency and overall sustainability of
city facilities and operations.
b. Adopt a green building policy for new or significantly renovated city buildings.
c. Conduct energy audits of city‐owned buildings and develop action plans and benchmarking protocol to phase retrofits and
measure performance over time.
d. When purchasing new appliances or electronics, select those that are ENERGY STAR‐certified, when feasible.
e. Use energy‐efficient lighting technologies in city facilities, including passive (natural) lighting, compact fluorescent lamps
(CFLs), light emitting diode (LED) lamps, and room occupancy sensors, when feasible.
f. Use LED or other high‐efficiency lamps in city‐owned traffic signals, streetlights, and pedestrian and school crossing signals,
when feasible. Request Progress Energy to use high‐efficiency lamps for streetlights the utility leases to the city.

GREEN BUILDINGS + CLEAN ENERGY

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 3‐8

e. Consider use of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal for city building, grounds, and equipment (e.g., street and cross‐walk
lighting and hot water heating).
Explore options for assisting local schools in a successful application for the Progress Energy SunSense Schools program, which
awards solar photovoltaic (PV) system to select schools that also serve as emergency shelters. RB Stewart Middle School was
among the 2011 SunSense recipients. Schools are chosen based on criteria such as commitment to energy efficiency and
renewable energy education, location that maximizes geographic distribution throughout Progress Energy’s service territory,
number of students, and school shelter capacity. Resource:
https://www.progress‐energy.com/shared/segment‐selectors/sunsense.page
g. Explore small‐scale clean energy projects that utilize available resources to generate electricity or heat energy;
implementation partners, including public‐private partnerships; and funding mechanisms, including Federal and State grants
and low‐interest loans. Resource: Galena, Illinois launched the construction phase of a 368‐kilowatt solar energy project that
will provide half the energy required to operate its wastewater treatment facility. The $1.2 million project (partially grant
funded) will save the city more than $50,000 per year.
http://www.sustainablecitynetwork.com/topic_channels/energy/article_19546158‐9f6a‐11e1‐9657‐0019bb30f31a.html
h. Engage Progress Energy, the electricity utility in Zephyrhills, to help leverage local, state, and federal resources to increase
clean energy production in the city.
i. Make staff costs the basis of the building permit fee for solar energy systems rather the equipment cost.
j. Amend the Land Development Code to allow solar energy systems as a permitted accessory uses in all zoning districts and
modest encroachments into building setback areas to facilitate placement of solar equipment.
k. Amend the Land Development Code to allow small wind turbines in all commercial, industrial and multi‐family areas, subject
to noise specifications.

ACTIONS:
a. Expedite permitting for green building and renewable energy projects.
b. Reuse brownfield lands for renewable energy projects.
c. Consider establishing financing tools for residents and businesses for energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy,
and wind resistance projects.
Local Economy Building,
Policy
Resource Conservation
PUR
ALL DEPTS
& Pollution Reduction
ACTIONS:
a. Establish a policy requiring consideration of the economic, social, and environmental benefits and costs associated with city
purchases. Considerations would correspond to city’s guiding principles for water conservation, energy conservation, solid
waste reduction, economic development, natural resource protection, and community quality of life, and include life‐cycle
assessments when appropriate. The analysis would also inform decision‐making for capital expenditures (e.g., infrastructure).
b. Establish a city policy for environmentally preferable purchasing and institute a recognition program for city departments that
promote environmentally preferable purchasing practices. Resource: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides an
index to find and evaluate information about green products and services; identify federal green buying requirements;
calculate the costs and benefits of purchasing choices; and manage green purchasing processes. www.epa.gov/epp/
c. Develop and promote green event planning guidelines for city events.
d. Adopt green building policies for new city buildings while continuing retrofit programs for existing buildings.
e. Improve the fuel efficiency of the city fleet through use of clean vehicles and clean fuels.
Local Economy Building,
Policy
Resource Conservation
PUR
ALL DEPTS
& Pollution Reduction
ACTION:
Establish a Local Business Certification Program offers city purchasing preference to local businesses, with additional preference
for locally sold green goods and services. Resources: The City of Tallahassee Local Business Certification Program offers bid
preferences on a sliding‐scale to vendors depending on business location (e.g., Leon County or surrounding counties) and city
certification status. A key component of the Tallahassee program is participation goals designed to increase the opportunities
available for local businesses to bid on city contracts. City departments would be encouraged to award more of their purchases
and contracts to local businesses, while prime contractors would likewise be urged to use local smaller firms for subcontracting

LEAD

ACTING ENTITIES

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Maximize purchasing of local products
and services by city government.

The City of Tampa began a Green Business Designation Program in 2009, to reward private businesses that have become or want
to become more environmentally‐friendly. Businesses seeking to participate in the program are reviewed against a list of criteria
to evaluate their level of sustainability including green policies and practices. Businesses that receive the designation are
provided a certificate to post at their business location and included on the city’s website under Tampa’s Green Pages. The city
does not administer the program but instead partners with a non‐profit local sustainability group. Based upon number of
employees, businesses pay $99 to $499 annually to participate in the program (a fraction of typical marketing expenses). Savings
from energy efficiency and waste‐reduction measures should reduce the cost impact of the program. Participating companies are
subject to an audit to confirm their green practices. http://sustany.org/gbdp/
Program &
DEV or
DEV or
Communications/ Local Economy Building
PARTNER PARTNER
Marketing
ACTIONS:
a. Develop a “Buy Local First” campaign that promotes local businesses, as defined in the program. (0‐3 YEARS)
b. Establish an annual “Buy Local Day First” Day. (0‐3 YEARS)
c. Explore the feasibility of implementing a local currency program. (3‐5 YEARS)
Example: www.paulglover.org/hours.html
d. Host a business/institutional buyers and sellers “match‐making” event to increase exchange of local goods and services.
(0‐3 YEARS)
e. Develop and promote a Zephyrhills green business directory. (3‐5 YEARS)
Example: http://www.napachamber.com/green_business.html
Program &
DEV or
DEV or
Communications/ Local Economy Building
PARTNER PARTNER
Marketing
ACTIONS:
a. Create a branding and marketing plan to promote Zephyrhills as a community with green infrastructure, green businesses, and
ongoing sustainability initiatives. (3‐5 YEARS)
b. Publish and publicize a Sustainable Zephyrhills Annual Report. (0‐3 YEARS)
c. Use conferences, other presentation opportunities, and published articles to increase local, regional, state, and national
awareness about the sustainability initiatives, best practices, and achievements of the Zephyrhills community. (0‐3 YEARS)
d. Seek opportunities to apply/nominate the city for sustainability awards and rankings. (0‐3 YEARS)
e. Investigate the feasibility of becoming a certified Green City under the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Green Local
Government Standard. The FGBC Green Local Government Standard designates Green Cities and Green Counties for
outstanding environmental stewardship. (3‐5 YEARS)

needs. http://www.talgov.com/dma/procurement/businesscert.cfm

GREEN JOBS + GREEN BUSINESSES

DEV or
PARTNER

■

Advocacy

Local Economy Building

■

Program &
Marketing/
Communications

Money Savings,
Resource Conservation
& Pollution Reduction

PARTNER

■

■

Policy

Overall Plan
Implementation

PAGE 3‐11

ACTIONS:
a. Identify opportunities, needs, and policies for green economic development through a strategic planning process and
corresponding amendments to the Zephyrhills Comprehensive Plan. Factors to consider include local and regional economic
development strategy, economic forecasts, land availability (e.g., brownfields and greyfields), multi‐modal connectivity,
sustainable community design, consistency with the city’s Airport Master Plan, and best practices from other communities
(e.g., green business clusters, green business corridors, and green enterprise zones).
b. Reinforce the community’s commitment to becoming a sustainable city by referencing this commitment in the City of
Zephyrhills Mission Statement.

DEV

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Address green economic development
and sustainability in general in the city’s
long range plans.

27. Long‐Range Planning

PARTNER

ACTION:
Develop a monthly or quarterly “Green Business Spotlight” that recognizes the sustainable, environmentally sound business
practices and green goods and services of local businesses. Posted on the city or partner website, the Green Business Spotlight
would highlight aspects of businesses that result in environmental, economic, and social benefits to the community, including
achievement of certifications from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the Florida Green Building Coalition
(FGBC), the Florida Green Lodging Program, and the Green Restaurant Association. An emphasis of the spotlight would be on the
business returns on investment for “going green.”
Local Economy Building,
Program &
DEV or
DEV or
Money Savings,
Marketing/
PARTNER PARTNER
Resource Conservation
Communications
& Pollution Reduction
ACTION:
This program would help Zephyrhills businesses improve their environmental performance, productivity, and competitiveness.
The city or a community partner would inform and encourage businesses to improve efficiencies with respect to energy, waste,
and water; develop sustainable management practices such as green purchasing standards; and re‐imagine and redesign
products and services to give them a competitive edge.

DEV or
PARTNER

PLAN FOR GREEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Develop and deliver a business
engagement program.

26. Business Engagement Program

Encourage local businesses to go green
through recognition and promotion.

25. Local Green Businesses

ACTION:
Advocate for school and training curricula that prepares students and workers for jobs in emerging green sectors. Green job
training partners could include the District School Board of Pasco County, Pasco Hernando Community College, St. Leo University,
University of South Florida, Agency for Workforce Innovation, Pasco‐Hernando Workforce Board, and others.

CITY
COUNCIL

INSPIRE A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS SECTOR

Foster the development of a skilled local
workforce that will be prepared to
support a local green economy.

24. Workers for the Clean Economy

SKILL THE WORKFORCE

GREEN JOBS + GREEN BUSINESSES

PARTNER

■

Policy

Local Economy Building

PAGE 3‐12

ACTION:
Partner with the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Pasco County, Pasco County Economic Council, and Tampa Bay
Partnership to identify and attract green business clusters to the greater Zephyrhills area and region. A green business cluster is a
geographically concentrated and self‐sustaining network of businesses, specialized suppliers, service providers, and associated
institutions from many disciplines, including green building, energy efficiency and clean technology.

DEV

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Partner with local and regional
organizations to attract green industry
clusters.

28. Green Industry Clusters

GREEN JOBS + GREEN BUSINESSES

LEAD

■

Policy

IMPLEMENTATION
TOOL(S)

Social Equity, Resource
Conservation &
Pollution Reduction

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S)

‐ ‐ ‐

■

Policy

Resource Conservation
& Pollution Reduction

PARTNERS

■

Policy

Social Equity, Resource
Conservation &
Pollution Reduction

PAGE 3‐13

ACTIONS:
a. Develop form‐based land development regulations that visually and textually illustrate the arrangement and scale of buildings
along various street types (e.g., arterial, collector, and local) and other place‐making, walkability elements such as sidewalks,
‘complete streets’, shade trees, rear/side‐yard vehicle parking areas, and attractive stormwater facilities.

DEV

ACTION:
Develop land use policies designating lands that are suitable for renewable energy power generation and transmission systems
(e.g., solar farms and electric vehicle charging stations).

DEV

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Design unique and special Village Centers
and Neighborhoods that facilitate
sustainability through walkable/bikeable,
mixed use places.

ACTIONS:
a. Incentivize pedestrian–oriented infill development/redevelopment within targeted areas of the city and discourage suburban
sprawl pattern development.
b. Continue implementation of city plans to identify, prioritize, and incentivize redevelopment of underutilized areas within the
Community Redevelopment Area to make efficient use of existing public infrastructure.
c. Develop a Sustainable Development Index reflective of the city’s sustainable development goals to evaluate proposed
annexations and associated Future Land Use Map amendments. Use the Sustainable Development Index to ensure that
publicly‐funded capital projects support and further the city’s sustainable development goals.
d. Implement clear and effective land development regulations, and offer shorter development review timeframes within the
city’s infill/redevelopment target areas. Also see 28.a below.
e. Implement policies that promote nonresidential intensity, job accessibility, and jobs‐housing balance in village centers.
f. Scale the density and intensity of development and transportation fees in Village Centers to the availability/access to transit
and opportunities for internal trip capture.
g. Educate developers and the public about the ways sustainable, energy‐efficient land use patterns, urban design, and complete
streets benefits the economy, ecology, and community.
h. Develop partnerships to improve the marketing of infill development, matching developers to existing sites and buildings.

DEV

FOSTER SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH DESIGN

Provide for renewable energy power
generation and transmission systems in
city land use plans and regulations.

30. Renewable Energy

Foster walkable/bikeable Village Centers
and Neighborhoods with short distances
(5‐ to 10‐minute walk) between homes,
jobs, and daily needs destinations.

ACTIONS:
a. Design and build “Complete Streets” that integrate pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities to accommodate all users of the
transportation system—pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motor vehicle drivers—and emphasize comfort and safety for
people of all ages and abilities.
b. Design "Green Streets" as an integral component of a Complete Streets strategy. Incorporate trees and other green

PW

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

“Complete” and “green” city streets.

34. Complete Streets and Green Streets

‐ ‐ ‐

■

ACTION:
Amend the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code as necessary and appropriate to address the guiding principles,
targets, and initiatives of Sustainable Zephyrhills. Once established, identify Eco‐Districts and Eco‐Neighborhoods in the
Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map series (see Action 31.c above).

DEV

EXPAND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

Ensure that the adopted plans and codes
of the City of Zephyrhills support
sustainable development principles.

33. Sustainable Community Plans and Codes

FURTHER SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH PLANS & CODES

Decrease urban heat island effect.

32. Urban Heat Island Effect

d. Establish standards for cluster subdivisions to preserve ecologically sensitive areas, biodiversity, and other unique
characteristics of land to be subdivided. Resource: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw254
Money Savings,
DEV
‐ ‐ ‐
Policy & Program Resource Conservation
& Pollution Reduction
ACTIONS:
a. Develop and implement a city‐wide plan for reducing urban heat island effect from expansive paved surfaces, such as streets
and parking lots. Community‐cooling techniques may include tree plantings to create shaded parking lots, sidewalks, future
canopy streets, decreasing the area required for a standard parking space, reducing the required paving width for local streets,
green roofs, and rain gardens. (3‐5 YEARS)
b. Amend the Land Development Code to allow green roofs and rain gardens to satisfy a portion of the open space requirement.
(0‐3 YEARS)
c. Amend the Land Development Code to reduce the standard parking space dimension to 9’x 18’ and to establish parking space
maximums for mixed use projects. (0‐3 YEARS)
d. Amend the Land Development Code to ensure that street and site trees are planted to allow root structure development.
(0‐3 YEARS)
e. Facilitate reforestation of the city by hosting an annual tree giveaway on National Arbor Day (last Friday in April). (3‐5 YEARS)

c. Assist residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in the development of Eco‐Neighborhood and Eco‐District plans that
identify issues, opportunities, targets, and initiatives aimed at improving neighborhood sustainability and quality of life.

b. Use the Sustainable Development Index reflective of the city’s sustainable development goals to evaluate proposed
development and redevelopment projects. Create a mechanism to require developer and city staff coordination early in the
project development phase to ensure the incorporation of sustainable development principles. Establish incentives for new
development and redevelopment that scores higher on the Sustainable Development Index.

LAND USE, DESIGN + CONNECTIVITY

CITY &
PARTNERS

■

■

■
Policy

Social Equity, Resource
Conservation &
Pollution Reduction

City

City or
Partners

■

Policy

Social Equity, Resource
Conservation &
Pollution Reduction

ACTIONS:
a. Continue to secure grants and other funding to implement the Zephyrhills Multi‐Use Trail Master Plan, which envisions a well‐
designed, citywide network of off‐street trails and on‐street bike lanes. (ONGOING)
b. Continue to expand the sidewalk network to enhance pedestrian mobility. Establish a hierarchy of sidewalks and establish
standards (e.g., sidewalk width, crosswalks, and lighting) for arterial, collector, and local streets. As part of a neighborhood
planning process (e.g., Eco‐Neighborhoods), engage the community in assessing the walkability of city neighborhoods and
recommending improvements where deficiencies exist. The assessment should consider if goods and services are within an
easy and safe walk so as to allow residents and employees access to daily needs without using a car. Recommendations could
include zoning changes to allow development that has mixed land uses and compact, pedestrian‐oriented design. (3‐5 YEARS)
c. Control traffic speeds on key pedestrian streets (e.g., traffic calming and law enforcement). Participate in the Safe Routes to
School Program and seek funding for enhancements to designated routes for safe walking or bicycling to school. (0‐3 YEARS)
d. Explore the feasibility of a bicycle loan program in Downtown and other parts of the city, including opportunities for
public/private partnerships. (0‐3 YEARS)
e. Establish a policy requiring, where appropriate and safe, pedestrian and bicycle connections between new and existing
developments, and especially between single use residential development and commercial/retail uses. (0‐3 YEARS)
f. Require new development to install bike racks. Encourage existing non‐residential building owners to provide bicycle racks.
(0‐3 YEARS)
g. Place a multi‐modal map on the city’s website to inform residents of pedestrian and bicycle trails, transit routes and stops,
parking lots and garages and locations of bike racks. (3‐5 YEARS)

CITY &
PARTNERS

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 3‐15

Foster land use patterns that make transit
service in Zephyrhills more viable and
ACTIONS:
advocate for transit investments that
a. Consider establishing rubber‐tire trolley service connecting Village Centers and higher density neighborhoods to major
result in better connectivity within the
commercial and employment centers. (5‐10 YEARS)
city and the region.
b. Partner with Pasco County Public Transit to install transit shelters providing transit riders protection from the elements and
direct connect to the sidewalk network. (ONGOING)
c. Continue to incorporate transit considerations into the development review process. (ONGOING)

36. Transit Connectivity

Foster a bicycle and pedestrian‐friendly
environment and culture in Zephyrhills.

35. Bicycle and Pedestrian Culture

infrastructure into street planning with the same importance given to utilities infrastructure. Bioswales, green gutters, and
stormwater infiltration planters can be incorporated into streets to manage stormwater without creating conventional
retention ponds. Reduced pavement widths slow traffic and reduce heat island effect.
c. Develop a Central Greenway Corridor with limited automobile conflicts traversing Downtown and connecting major
destinations in the city and pathways in Pasco County. The corridor could follow underutilized platted alleys and minor streets.

LAND USE, DESIGN + CONNECTIVITY

PARTNERS

Resource Conservation,
Pollution Reduction &
Money Savings

■

■

Policy

Money Savings,
Resource Conservation
& Pollution Reduction

PROGRESS
ENERGY

■

Policy

Money Savings,
Resource Conservation
& Pollution Reduction

PARTNERS

■

Policy

Money Savings &
Resource Conservation

PAGE 3‐16

ACTIONS:
a. Include considerations for alternative fuel vehicles, including electric vehicles, when replacing or adding city fleet vehicles.
Explore the feasibility of converting city fleet vehicles for electric, compressed natural gas, or biodiesel use.
b. Explore the feasibility of storage and use of biodiesel or other alternative fuels for the city fleet, including opportunities for
public/private partnerships.

PW & DEV

ACTION:
Reduce the energy costs of street lights and traffic signals through use of energy‐efficient solid‐state lamps (e.g., LED).

PW

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Expand the city fleet of energy‐efficient
and lower emission vehicles.

40. Energy‐Efficient City Fleet

■
Policy

ACTIONS:
a. Employ integrated land use and transportation planning and sprawl reduction policies to create pedestrian, bicycle and transit‐
friendly village centers and neighborhoods. (ONGOING)
b. Amend the Land Development Code to allow accessory live/work spaces in all residential and mixed use zoning districts. (0‐3
YEARS)
c. Encourage commuters to use rideshare programs and employers to offer telecommuting. (0‐3 YEARS)
d. Consider the connectivity of street networks in all site plan, platting, and right‐of‐way vacation applications. To increase route
choices, new street networks should conform to a grid‐pattern to the extent possible with respect to ecological resources.
(ONGOING)
e. Synchronize traffic signals with speed limits to minimize vehicle stopping and idling. Consider energy‐efficient roundabouts in
lieu of traffic signals, where feasible. (3‐5 YEARS)
f. Implement a “no idling” policy for city vehicles. Educate residents and businesses about the adverse impacts of unnecessary
vehicular idling. (0‐3 YEARS)

SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES + FUELS

Reduce the energy costs of street lights
and traffic signals.

39. Energy Efficient Outdoor Lighting

Reduce motor vehicle miles traveled
(VMT) and idling to reduce energy use
and associated air pollution.

DEV & PW

REDUCE ENERGY USE + AIR POLLUTION

38. Vehicle Miles and Idling

DEV OR
PARTNERS

Encourage single‐occupant commuters to car‐pool or vanpool to reduce costs, energy use, pollution, and highway congestion by
publicizing commuter services offered by TBARTA on the city website.

ACTION:
Provide recycling bins to customers in place of the blue bag system and increase curbside recycling pickup from biweekly to
weekly. The City of Dade City made these changes and saw recycling participation rates increase from 3% to over 20%.

ACTION:
Partner with Keep Pasco Beautiful, a non‐profit organization, for the Great American Cleanup. This nationwide event takes place
every year on the third Saturday in April.

PARTNER

ACTION:
Institute policies and practices to reduce the amount of paper used in city government. Potential areas of paper (and money
savings) include electronic timecards, payroll, utility billing/payments, and development plan processing. Ask employees to print
hardcopies only when necessary and to use double‐sided printing when they do need to print.

CITY
DEPTS

ACTIONS:
a. Offer customers opportunities to save money on their solid waste bill by paying for the volume (i.e., bin size) of waste
generated. The premise of this incentive system, known as Pay As You Throw (PAYT), is that customers will want to divert
more waste to recycling. Note: PAYT should be paired with a suitably scaled recycling program. Resources:
http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/pdfs/solid_waste_task_force/agendas/031411/031411_pay_as_you_throw.pdf
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/payt/index.htm
b. In conjunction with PAYT, implement once per week solid waste pick‐up instead of twice per week (also see recycling‐related
initiatives 46 ‐ 54 below).

LEAD

ACTING ENTITIES

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Make recycling easier at home and at
work.

46. Recycling at Home and Work

INCREASE RECYCLING

Raise community awareness about litter‐
prevention and reduce risks to
community health, water quality, and
wildlife habitat.

ACTIONS:
a. Encourage composting by partnering with the Pasco County Cooperative Extension to provide composting workshops. Food
waste accounts for about 9% of the city’s trash, the third largest component after paper and yard trimmings. The Florida

SW

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/rogo/index.htm

■

■

Consider establishing an incentive program to increase recycling in the City. Incentive‐based recycling programs, such as
RecycleBank or Rewards for Recycling, award points to residents based on the frequency or weight of their recyclables. Points can
be exchanged for free or discounted goods and services from local businesses. The Township of Grand Blanc, Michigan, saw its
recycling rate increased exponentially after adoption of the Rewards for Recycling program. The City of Sunrise recently instituted
RecycleBank and saw a 70% increase in recycling during the first six weeks of operation. North Miami was the first Florida city to
adopt RecycleBank and Tampa and Seminole are currently considering the program. Resources:
www.rewardsforrecycling.com
http://www.northmiamifl.gov/departments/public_works/sanitation/index.asp
Money Savings,
CIP
Resource Conservation
SW
PARTNERS
& Pollution Reduction
ACTION:
Install large recycling bins or dumpsters in convenient locations in Zephyrhills. Partner with local organization, such Meals on
Wheels East Pasco, for collection recyclables. Recycling drop‐off centers should be monitored to deter disposal of unwanted
materials and contaminates.
Money Savings,
ALL CITY
Policy & Marketing/
SW
Resource Conservation
DEPTS
Communications
& Pollution Reduction
ACTIONS:
a. Establish a purchasing policy that favors products made with recycled or plant‐based, biodegradable materials, when feasible.
b. Ask contractors working for the city to recycle a specified percentage of their construction and demolition waste (e.g., wood,
glass and metals).
c. Publicize city projects and accomplishments relative to waste reduction and recycling in a Sustainable Zephyrhills Annual
Report.
Money Savings,
Policy
Resource Conservation
SW
PARTNERS
& Pollution Reduction
ACTION:
Consider using innovative technologies, such as solar‐powered, compacting receptacles that require less empting and do not use
electricity. Resource:

ACTION:

SW

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Local urban agriculture and other
horticultural groups value compost as an
organic soil amendment.

51. Composting

Locate recycling receptacles in high‐
traffic public spaces and at city events.

50. Recycling “On the Go”

Make recycling easy, efficient, and
comprehensive at municipal buildings
and grounds.

49. Recycling at City Facilities

Expand the reach of the city’s recycling
initiatives.

48. Recycling Drop‐Off Centers

Provide incentives for recycling.

47. Recycling Incentives

WASTE REDUCTION + RECYCLING

■

Marketing/
Communications

Money Savings &
Resource Conservation

SW

■

Marketing/
Communications

Money Savings,
Resource Conservation
& Community Building

PARTNERS

■

Marketing/
Communications

Money Savings &
Resource Conservation

PARTNERS

■

Marketing/
Communications

Money Savings &
Resource Conservation

PAGE 3‐20

ACTIONS:
a. Partner with Pasco County Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department, Pasco County Cooperative Extension, or other
organizations to provide information and encourage broad participation in the city’s waste reduction and recycling programs.
Ask residents to submit suggestions on ways to make recycling easier in Zephyrhills.
b. Partner with the District School Board of Pasco County for additional educational opportunities and community service

SW

ACTIONS:
a. Partner with Pasco County Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department to increase community awareness of the hazards
of improperly disposed of electronic waste (e‐waste).
b. Partner with local groups to locate e‐cycling receptacles in the city and organize annual e‐waste recycling days.

SW

ACTION:
Partner with local nonprofits, schools, clubs, and other organizations to initiate recycling drives for fundraising (e.g., “cash for
cans”).

PARTNERS

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Offer public awareness and public
education programs about waste
reduction, reuse, and recycling.

55. Partnerships for Awareness

PARTNERS

ACTIONS:
a. Encourage recycling business start‐ups in Zephyrhills, including collectors or haulers; processors (material recovery facilities);
brokers; and end‐users (manufacturers). Resources:
www.wasteexchange.org
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/rmd/intro.htm
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/rmd/finance.htm
b. Partner with the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce to promote businesses that buy recycled materials. Pasco County
partnered with U.S. GreenFiber for a turnkey operation to collect waste paper for manufacturing cellulose insulation. Over 100
"Bring It from Home!" recycling bins are located across the county, including public schools and county facilities in the
Zephyrhills area.

SW

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLING AWARENESS

Increase awareness about the proper
disposal of e‐waste.

54. Electronics Recycling

Assist organizations in holding
fundraisers that build community
awareness about recycling while
diverting materials from the solid waste
stream.

53. Recycling Fundraisers

Markets for recyclable materials are
essential to closing the recycling loop
and channeling resources back into use.

52. Recyclables Markets

Department of Environmental Protection states that backyard composting and grass clipping management are two of the best
methods to recycle organic waste.
b. Sponsor a composting demonstration project at a community garden, local school, or municipal building. Consider
implementing a curb‐side food and yard waste recycling program.
c. Partner with businesses for processing, sale, and distributed of compost to consumers.

WASTE REDUCTION + RECYCLING

WASTE TO ENERGY

PARTNERS

■

CIP

Money Savings &
Resource Conservation

http://www.talgov.com/fleet/bio.cfm

PAGE 3‐21

ACTIONS:
Explore the feasibility of a biofuel recycling center and partnerships with the private sector to produce biofuel for the city’s fleet.
The City of Tallahassee’s biodiesel facility is capable of producing 300 gallons of biodiesel per day using waste vegetable oil. Fleet
vehicles operate on various blends of biodiesel and conventional ultra‐low sulfur diesel fuel. Resource:

SW

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Explore options for using waste to
produce energy locally.

56. Explore Waste‐to‐Energy Alternatives

projects targeted to the Zephyrhills community such as the annual “Pasco Art of Recycling Contest” or “Dream Machine
Recycle Rally”—a recycling program offering schools a chance to earn rewards, compete for prizes, and support post‐9/11
disabled U.S. veterans. The District has received awards and recognitions for its recycling programs and is considered a model
school district for increasing student (and family) awareness about solid waste issues.

ACTIONS:
a. Distribute educational materials produced by government partners including the Southwest Florida Water Management
District Water and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Resources:
Publications and materials: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/publications/search.php?subject=conservation
Classroom challenge: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/classroom_challenge/
Broadcast advertisements: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/ads/
Request a Speaker: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/speakers/
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense campaign provides information on water‐efficient products, services,
and everyday actions
Public service announcements: watersense@epa.gov
Website widget: http://www.epa.gov/widgets/#watersensetip

UTL

ACTIONS:
a. Phase 1: Partner with local businesses to sponsor a water‐saving competition between neighborhood/homeowners
associations.
b. Phase 2: Perform indoor and outdoor water audits of the largest water users in the city, such as schools and large businesses.
Based on the findings, suggest ways to reduce water use.
c. Phase 3: Expand upon the city’s high‐efficiency toilet rebate program to include other water‐saving devices such as rain barrels
and sensor irrigation systems.
d. Phase 4: Challenge everyone in the city to save six gallons of water each day through simple water‐saving actions publicized
via the city website and other community outreach. Under a similar campaign, the City of Cooper City saw water use drop by
9.26% in one year, nearly double its goal of 5%. Resources:
http://icma.org/en/Article/101120/Cooper_City_Floridas_Water_Conservation_Efforts_Show_Outstanding_Success
http://www.youwin‐weallwin.com/gimme5.html
e. Phase 5: Apply for Southwest Florida Water Management District and other agency grants to fund water conservation projects
and programs. Resource:
www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/communitygrants/

LEAD

ACTING ENTITIES

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Note:
This initiative is intended to support the
achievement of the Water Conservation
+ Protection target and initiatives by
informing the community about ways to
conserve and protect water resources.
As such, the timeframe for this initiative
is on‐going.

Raise community awareness about the
limits of our fresh water supply and
value of conserving this vital resource.

58. Community Awareness

Reduce citywide water use through a
multi‐pronged water conservation
campaign.

ACTIONS:
a. Assess the water‐loss performance of the municipal water system and schedule appropriate improvements to conserve water
resources and avoid costly operating and capital costs.
b. Consider establishing a goal for unaccounted‐for water (the American Water Works Association recommends less than 10%)
and monitoring unaccounted‐for water volumes each billing period. Implement water audit, leak detection, and repair
programs when unaccounted‐for water is higher than the goal.
Marketing/
Communications & Resource Conservation
UTL
SWFWMD
CIP Projects
ACTIONS:
a. As part of a water saving campaign, promote the groundwater saving benefits of using reclaimed water for landscape
irrigation.
b. Seek grants funding (e.g., Southwest Florida Water Management District Cooperative Funding Initiative) for reclaimed water
system expansion projects.

UTL

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Continue to expand the city’s reclaimed
water system to serve more
neighborhoods.

60. Reuse Water

Identify sources of unaccounted‐for
water in the municipal water system.

ACTIONS:
a. Educate homeowners and other property owners about actions they can take to protect groundwater and surface water
quality, including decreasing the use of water polluting chemicals such as cleaning agents, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
and properly disposing of hazardous waste. (0‐3 YEARS)
b. Investigate and apply sustainable golf course management practices for the Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course. (0‐3 YEARS)
c. Install a solar‐powered aeration fountain in Lake Zephyr to improve water quality, increase the viability of the lake to support
aquatic animals and water cleansing bacteria, along with educational interpretative signage about the fountain and other
efforts to restore water quality in the lake. (3‐5 YEARS)
d. Consider establishing a stormwater utility fee to generate revenue to specifically fund stormwater management operations,
construction, and maintenance. Effective stormwater management reduces the amount of contamination flowing into local
waters and flooding in accordance with Comprehensive Plan Policy PUB‐4‐1‐3. (3‐5 YEARS)
http://www.cityofdoral.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=153&Itemid=347
http://fl‐stcloud2.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=227

UTL & PW

b. Amend the Land Development Code to allow minor encroachments by rain barrels and cisterns in side and rear yard setbacks.

Preserve the quality of groundwater that
is the source of drinking water in
Zephyrhills and improve the quality of
surface waters such as Lake Zephyr.

63. Water Quality

‐ ‐ ‐

ACTIONS:
Achieve community support for water rates through education and water conservation opportunities. Water rates seldom reflect
the full financial costs of providing the service—rarer still is recovery for environmental costs. Although full costs are ultimately
paid one way or another—most commonly through property taxes—shifting the full cost into water prices encourages
conservation by revealing the true cost to customers.

UTL

OUNCE OF PREVENTION OR GALLON OF CURE?

Increase groundwater recharge in the
existing built environment.

62. Groundwater Recharge

REPLENISH THE AQUIFER

Price water to reflect the true cost of the
service and encourage water
conservation.

61. Water Pricing

WATER CONSERVATION + PROTECTION

SWFWMD

■

Policy

Resource Conservation
& Pollution Reduction

PAGE 3‐25

ACTIONS:
a. Through education and/or incentives (e.g., accelerated site plan review), encourage use of water conservation standards such
as Florida Water StarSM, a voluntary certification program for new construction and existing home renovation, in new
construction. Resource:
http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/florida_water_star/
b. Amend the Land Development Code to require Low Impact Development practices when issuing building permits, including
requirements for porous pavement or open cell concrete blocks for new parking spaces provided in excess of code
requirements.
e. In coordination with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, explore the feasibility of providing stormwater credits
for onsite rainwater capture and direct onsite use/recharge.

DEV

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Ensure that all new construction makes
use of the best available water
conservation technologies.

ACTIONS:
a. Partner with the Pasco County Cooperative Extension, UF/IFAS Certified Master Gardeners, and other agriculture experts to
provide workshops and courses for individuals interested in gardening or small‐scale agricultural production.
b. Use public buildings or land for an urban agriculture demonstration project that could include a greenhouse, an
aquaculture/biponics project, or a rooftop vegetable garden.
Community Health,
TF &
Policy
Community Building &
DEV
EXTENSION
Resource Conservation
ACTIONS:
a. Consider allowing community gardens in all zoning districts and farmers markets in commercial and other zoning districts.
b. Integrate urban agriculture into the site planning process for new residential and commercial developments and consider
provisions for open space credit for land set‐aside for gardens within new developments.
Community Health,
TF &
DEV
Policy & Program Community Building &
EXTENSION
Resource Conservation
ACTIONS:
a. Inventory city‐owned properties to identify suitable open spaces for community gardens or other urban agriculture activities.
b. Create a pilot program for development of community gardens on public lands.
c. Convene a task force to assist in establishing urban agriculture‐related policy, projects, and programs.

EXTENSION

TF &

LEAD

ACTING ENTITIES

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

Develop a beneficial garden insect
program to nurture pollinating insects.

69. Beneficial Insects

Promote sustainable food growing
techniques.

68. Sustainable Urban Agriculture Practices

Identify suitable sites for community
gardens and other urban agriculture
activities.

Increase community awareness about
urban agriculture methods and
initiatives.

65. Community Awareness

INCREASE LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION

INITIATIVES

URBAN AGRICULTURE
SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN

URBAN AGRICULTURE

DEV or
PARTNERS

■

Policy, Program &
Marketing/
Communications

Local Economy,
Community Health,
Community Building &
Resource Conservation

■

ACTIONS:
a. Establish a “Buy Fresh Buy Local” campaign that encourages local residents to buy food produced within 300 miles of
Zephyrhills.
b. Explore job and business creation opportunities associated with growing, processing, storing, and selling local food.
c. Partner with volunteer organizations to harvest and distribute unwanted produce from private properties to local food banks.
Local Economy,
Marketing/
TF &
DEV or
Community Health,
Communications &
PARTNERS PARTNERS
Community Building &
Programs
Resource Conservation
ACTIONS:
a. Collaborate with individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions to hold festivals and events that celebrate local food (e.g.,
community gardens “best salsa” contest).
b. Publicize a link to a directory of area farmers markets on the city website.
c. Establish a farmers market featuring fresh food produced by local farmers and businesses.

TF &
PARTNERS

SUSTAINABLE ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN| JUNE 11, 2012

PAGE 3‐27

ACTION PLAN LEGEND:
BLD ‐ City of Zephyrhills Building Department
CITY COUNCIL ‐ City of Zephyrhills City Council
DEV ‐ City of Zephyrhills Development Services Department
DG – Discussion Group
EXTENSION – Pasco County Cooperative Extension Office
FIN ‐ City of Zephyrhills Finance Department
LIB ‐ City of Zephyrhills Library
PW ‐ City of Zephyrhills Public Works Department
PARTNER ‐ Individual, group, organization, institution, or combination thereof willing to put forth resources (human, financial, etc.) to help the community accomplish a
sustainable project or program. Partners could include the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Zephyrhills, Pasco County Extension Office, Pasco County
Schools, Pasco County Government, Pasco County local governments, professional organizations, service organizations, fraternal organizations, health organizations,
religious organizations, neighborhood organizations, homeowners associations, special interest groups, clubs, and businesses.
P&R ‐ City of Zephyrhills Parks & Recreation Division
PUR ‐ City of Zephyrhills Purchasing Department
SW ‐ City of Zephyrhills Solid Waste Division
SWFWMD ‐ Southwest Florida Water Management District
TF ‐ City of Zephyrhills Task Force
UTL ‐ City of Zephyrhills Utilities Department

Foster a local food culture in Zephyrhills.

71. Local Food Culture

Create or reinforce linkages between
local farmers, consumers, businesses,
and organizations.